Pakistan Medical School Charged With Religious Discrimination

In Pakistan, a Christian student has filed suit in the Lahore High Court challenging the constitutionality of the admissions practices of King Edward Medical College. Today's Daily Times reports that the medical school offers additional points toward admission to Muslim students who have successfully memorized the Quran. The petitioner, Qandeel Sultan, argues that since she has merit certificates to prove her proficiency and knowledge of Christianity, she should also be given extra points toward admission. She argues that Article 25 of Pakistan's Constitution that provides "All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law", should be interpreted to require an equal education policy without discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, creed or caste. She has asked the court to prohibit the Admissions Board and Punjab government from commencing 2005-06 classes in medical colleges in Punjab until the final disposal of her petition.