Pakistan Nursing Council Act (PNC), 1973 (Repealed by Act No. XXXVII of 2026, s. 53 (w.e.f 04-06-2026))

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THE PAKISTAN NURSING COUNCIL ACT, 1973 
 
 CONTENTS 
1. Short title, extent and commencement. 
2. Definitions. 
2A. Purpose of Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council. 
3. Establishment of the Council. 
3A. Powers of the Council. 
4. Term of office of members. 
5. Casual vacancies. 
6.  Vacancy etc., not to invalidate proceedings. 
7.  Meetings of Council. 
8.  President and Vice-President. 
9.  Executive Committee. 
9A.  The President. 
9B.  The Vice-President. 
9C.  Office of the Council 
9D.  Secretary. 
9E.    Finance Director. 
9F.  Appointment of other Personnel. 
9G. Functions of Council. 
10.   Officers and Supportive Staff  of the Council. 
AS FOR AS POSSIBLE AMENDED 
ACCORDING TO GAZETTE 

 
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11.  Nursing Examination Board. 
12. Recognition of institutions or authority conducting educational course or programs. 
13.  Recognition of foreign qualification. 
14.  Certification of certain persons as possessed of recognized qualification. 
15.  Effect of recognition. 
16.  Institutions to furnish information required by Council. 
17.  Inspection of institution. 
18.  Withdrawal of recognition. 
18A. Maintenance    of   Data    Base. 
19. Maintenance of the register. 
20.    Procedure for registration. 
21.  Removal of name from the register. 
22.  Disqualification for registration.  
23.  Prohibition of employment of unregistered nurses, etc.  
24.  Penalty for certain offences. 
25.  Annual report. 
26. Power to make regulations. 
26A. Powers to make Rules. 
27. Repeal and saving.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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THE PAKISTAN NURSING COUNCIL ACT, 1973. 
1ACT NO. XXVI OF 1973 
[9th February, 1973] 
 
An Act to amend and consolidate the laws relating to registration and training of nurses, midwives and 
health visitors. 
WHEREAS it is expedient to amend and consolidate the laws relating to registration and training 
of nurses, midwives and health visitors and to provide for matters ancillary thereto; 
It is hereby enacted as follows:— 
1. Short  title,  extent  and  commencement.—(1)  This  Act  may  be  called  the Pakistan 
Nursing Council Act, 1973. 
(2) It extends to the whole of Pakistan.  
(3) It shall come into force at once. 
2[2. Definitions.—In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,— 
 
(a) “Board” means a Provincial Nursing and Midwifery Examination Board 
constituted under section 20; 
(b) “BSN” means a bachelors of science in nursing and determined as a Recognized 
higher Qualification; 
(c) “CNS” means Clinical Nurse Specialist a registered nurse who having enrolled in 
and successfully completed one year post BSN diploma in a relevant discipline 
and or MSN degree in specialized clinical tract recognized by PN&MC and is 
registered with PN&MC and is licensed to practice a s a Clinical Nurse Spec ialist 
under section 24(c)(i) and 36(2)(h) of this Act within a defined scope of practice: 
(d) “Council” means the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PN&MC) 
established under section 4; 
 
(e) “Current registration”  means registration giv en by Pakistan Nursing and 
Midwifery Council, which is present on its Register; 
 
(f)    “ HEC” means the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan; 
(g) “LEW” means Lady Health Visitor who has completed the prescribed 
qualification recognized by PN&MC, and has been registered and licensed by the 
PN&MC as a registered Lady Heath Visitor; 
(h) “Member” means a member of the Council; 
(i) “Ministry” means administrative ministry of PN& MC; 
(j) “MNHSRC” means Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation & 
Coordination; 
 
1For Statement of Objects and Reasons, see Gaz. of R. 1973. Ext.. Ft. III. p. 28H. 
2Subs. by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) s.2.   
 
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(k) “National Medical Authority” means the Authority constituted under section 
15 of the Pakistan Medical Commission Act, 2020; 
(l) “Nurse” means registrant of PN&MC licensed to practice as a nurse; 
(m) “NP” means Nurse Practitioner a registered advanced practice nurse, who 
having been enrolled to a Master Degree in Nursing (MSN) recognized by 
PN&MC, is registered with  PN&MC as Nurse Practitioner and is currently 
licensed by PN&MC to practice autonomously and in collaboration with others 
under section 15 (c)(i) and section 26 (2)(i) of this Act within a defined scope 
of practice; 
(n)  “PN&MC” means the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council; 
(o) “Prescribed” means prescribed by this Act and rules and regulations made 
under this Act; 
(p) “Recognized Higher Qualifications” means a degree qualification recognized 
by the Higher Education Commission granted by an institution established and 
maintained in Pakistan or in a foreign country, or granted by a 
Board/University for nurses, midwives and LHV which is declared to be a 
recognized higher qualification for the purposes of this Act: 
Provided any qualif ication recognized as a  higher qualification under 
this Act and obtained by a person registered with the PN&MC prior to the date 
of the amendment of the Act shall continue to be recognized for the benefit of 
the person regisred prior to the date of the amendment; 
(q) “Recognized qualifications” means a qualification granted by a 
Board/University for which is declared to be a recognized qualification for the 
purposes of this Act and includes:— 
(i) a qualification specified in the schedule; and 
(ii)  a qualification which was, immediat ely before the commencement of 
this Act, a recognized qualification under the Pakistan Nursing Council 
Act, 1952 (LIX of 1952) and 1973 to the extent of only such person 
registered with the PN&MC prior to this amendment to the Act un less 
continued to be recognized after the amendment to this Act. 
(r) “Register” means the register of nurses, midwives, Lady Health Visitors and 
nursing auxiliaries maintained under section 20; 
(s)      “Regulations” mean regulations made under this Act; 
(t)   “RM” means Registered Midw ife who has complete d the prescribed 
qualification recognized by PN&MC and has been registered and licensed by 
PN&MC to practice as a registered midwife; and 
(u)   “Other Committees”  means sub -committees appointed by the council for 
special purpose under section 11(2) of the Act.] 
 
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1[2A. Purpose of Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council. —(a) To protect, promote, 
and maintain the public health and wellbeing, 
(b)    To serve the public of Pakistan with regards to healthcare services in general, 
but nursing and Midwifery services in particular, 
(c) To ensure competence of registered professionals of PN&MC, and 
(d)  To liaison with all stakeholders about nursing and Midwifery education, 
professional conduct and practice within and outside the Republic of 
Pakistan,]   
1[3. Establishment of the Council. ( 1) The Federal Government shall, as soon as may 
be, establish  a Council  to be called  the Pakistan Nursing Council,  which shall consist  of the 
following member, namely:— 
 
 
(a) Secretary of the  concerned Division or  his nominee 
not below the rank of BPS-20; 
Ex-Officio Member 
(b) Chief Nursing Administrator, by whatever name 
called of the Armed Forces Nursing Service; 
Ex-Officio Member 
(c) one nurse from each Province, to be  elected by the 
provincial nursing board, o ne senior nurse from 
federal capital to be nominated by the concerned 
division and one senior  nurse from the Government 
of Gilgit  Baltistan to be elected by the nursing board  
of that Government; 
                    Member 
(d) Three members pointed by the Prime Minister on the 
recommendation of  the concerned Division   from   
whom one member shall be a,— 
                  Members 
(i) Philanthropist or from civil society of known integrity and eminence 
with a minimum of fifteen years  of related experience in the field of 
philanthropist or civil society;  
(ii) legal profession of known integrity and eminence with a minimum of 
fifteen years of experience in the field of law as a practicing lawyer or a 
retired High Court Judge; 
(iii)     Charted Accountant of known integrity and eminence with a minimum 
of fifteen years of related experience in the field of accountancy. 
(2) The Council established under sub-section (1) shall be a body corporate having perpetual 
succession and a common seal , with power, among  others, to acquire, hold and dispose of property, 
and shall by its name sue and be  sued.] 
 
 
 
 
[ 
 1Ins.& Subs. by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) ss.3 & 4.   
 
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1[3A. Powers of the Council.—The powers of the Council shall be,— 
(a) to license and regulate Registered Nurse, Nurse Specialist,  Nurse Practitioner, 
Midwife and Lady Health Visitor practice in Pakistan; 
(b) to register, maintain and update the register of Registered  Nurses, Nurse 
Specialists, Nurse Practitioners, Midwives and Lady Health Visitors; 
(c) to prescribe the requirements to be met as to the evidence of  good health and 
good character in order to satisfy the Registrar that an applicant is capable of 
safe and effective practice as a nurse or midwife of lady health visitor; 
(d) to require public, private and non -government educational  institutions and 
employers of registrants of the Council to promptly submit annual returns of 
registered nurses, midwives, lady heath visitors in their employment and such  
other information as may become necessary from time to time; 
(e)  to assist and advise the Federal  and Provincial Governments on matters 
pertaining to policies of nursing and midwifery professions;. 
(f) to carry out licensure examinations for grant of  licence t o practice with 
PN&MC a nd to practice; and to develop, revise  and update curricula and 
recommend these as appropriate to nursing teaching institutions; 
(g) Provided that all actions of the council will be in accordance  with the law and 
Council will ensure that  the right to prescribe  drugs or medical devices may 
not be given  to Registered  Nurses, Nurse Spe cialists, Nurse Practitioners, 
Midwives, or  Lady Health Visitors, or any  other nurse practitioners in 
contravention of the law and without the prior approval o f the Federal 
Government; 
(h) to evaluate and accredit institutions that provide education and training in 
nursing, midwifery and LHV, and to cooperate with other accreditation bodies 
where necessary in accordance with the objectives of the PN&MC subject to 
evaluation and accreditation of institutions affiliated with a university shall be 
regulated by the university and the Higher Education Commission on criteria 
formulated and provide by the PN&MC; 
 
(i) to designate new nursing and midwifery programs, specialties and categories 
where deemed necessary by the council; 
 
(j) to determine Scope of Practice for its registrants; 
 
 
 
(k) to set, monitor and update,— 
 
i. standards for education,  clinical practice. professional conduct and 
institutional accreditation; 
 
ii. conditions/policies for registration/licence to practice; 
 
iii. conditions/policies for enrollment into nursing programs; and 
iv. conditions/policies for institutions offering nursing programs. 
 
1Ins. by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) s.5.   
 
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(l) to formulate, revise and update policies, and to advocate and  motivate 
institutions, government and private sector to adopt the changes suggested for 
the improvement of nursing, midwifery and LHV in the country; 
(m) to establish an independent arm(s) for quality  assurance, examination. 
accreditation and or curriculum development and approvals for PN&MC 
credibility as deemed by the council. The independent arms shall accredited 
by any international credible agency such as ISO; 
(n) to determine and receive fees donations, grants or any ot her financial benefits 
or assistance; 
(o) to collect, analyze data and disseminate  information about nursing midwifery 
and lady health visitors' education, practice and the nursing, midwifery and 
lady health visitors’ workforce; 
(p) to consider any matter affecting nursing, midwifery and lady  health visiting 
falling within the ambit of the Council and make representations or take such 
action as the Council deems advisable: 
(q) to approve alter, modify and/or change the Rules and Regulations of the 
Council when deemed fit and necessary for the promotion of the purposes of 
the Act; 
(r) to elect the Executive Committee of the Council; 
(s) to approve the annua l audited accounts audited by a duly  appointed chartered 
accountant; 
(t) to appoint a registered Chartered Accountant at its Annual  General Meeting 
for auditing the accounts of the PN&MC; and 
(u) to do all things necessary and ancillary to the above purposes of the Act. 
3(B). Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Prime Min ister on the 
recommendation of the Minister -in-Charge of the concerned division, may remove all or any 
member of the Board in the manner as may be prescribed.] 
4. Term of office of members.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, an elected or 
nominated member shall hold office for a t erm of th ree years from the d ate of his election or 
nomination, as the case may be. 
(2) An elected or a nominated member may at any time 1[submit his written, signed 
resignation] to the President of the Council, and the  seat of such member shall thereupon become 
vacant. 
 
(3)  An elected or a nominated member shall be deemed to have vacated his seat— 
 
1[(a) On completion of his tenure of three (3) years as prescribed in sub -section in (2) 
above without any further notification by PN&MC/NHSRC;] 
 
1Subs & ins. by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) s.6.   
 
 
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1[(b)]  if  he  ceases  to  represent  the  p articular  int erest  which  he  w as  1[**] 
nominated to represent or 1[ceases] to hold any office or appointment by 
virtue of which he was 1[eligible] to be elected or nominated; or 
1[(c)]   if he is declared by the Council to have been absent without sufficient cause from 
three consecutive meetings of the Council. 
1[(d) if the nominating authority withdraws the nomination at any time.] 
 
(4) An elected or a nominated member shall be eligible for re-election or re-nomination but not 
for more than two consecutive terms. 
 
5. Casual vacancies. A casual vacancy in the office of a member shall be filled for the remainder 
of the term of such member by 2[**] nomination of another person in his place in the s ame manner in 
which such member was 2[**] nominated. 
 
6. Vacancy, etc., not to invalidate proceedings. No act or proceeding of the Council shall be 
invalid merely on the ground of the existence of any vacancy in, or any defect in the constitution of, the 
Council. 
7. Meetings of Council.—(1) The Council shall, for the purpose of transacting its business, meet 
at least once every 2[three] months at such 2[time and place] as the Council may d eem fit or as the 
President of the Council may determine. 
(2) Special meetings may be held at such times and places as the Council may deem fit or as the 
President of the Council may determine. 
 
2[(3)  A written notice along with the agenda and the time and place of each meeting shall be set 
by post or courier or by modern electronic means that constitutes documentary proof of notice such as an 
email, by the Register of the Council to all the members at least ten days before t he date fixed for such 
meeting: 
 
Provided that an emergency meeting may be called at twenty-four hour notice.] 
 
 (4) Unless otherwise prescribed, 3[four] members shall form a quorum for the m eetings of the 
Council; and all decisions of the Council shall be made by a majority of the members present and voting. 
 
2[(8). President and Vice -President.—(1) The President and the Vice -President shall be 
appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the concerned Division from amo ngst the 
Members specified in clauses (c) and (d) of sub-section (1) of section 3 
(2) The President and the Vice-President shall hold office for a period of three years.] 
 
9. Executive Committee.— 2[(1) The Council will, for efficient functioning, form an Executive 
Committee to meet more frequently than the Council and oversee day to day functions. The executive 
committee would include the President of the Council, who will chair the committee, and four other 
members of Council, elected by the Council, with  duties and authority as recommended by Council. The 
Council may replace a member of the executive committee by majority vote.] 
 
1re-numbered, omitted, ins., and subs. by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) s.6.   
2Omitted and subs., by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) ss.7, 8, 9 & 10.   
3Subs. by Act  XLVI of 2023,  s.2.(always be deemed to ha ve been so subs tituted on and from commencement of the Pakistan Nursing 
Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (V of 2023)). 
 
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1[(2) Council may also constitute such other committees or sub -committees as it may deem 
fit for carrying out the purposes of this Act.] 
(3) The Executive Committee shall exercise and perform such powers and functions as are, 
or may be, conferred or imposed upon it by 1[the Council and will report on its activities to Council 
at every Council meeting]. 
1[9A.  The President.—The President shall be the head of the council and shall preside over 
all meetings of the Council and the executive committee and shall convene the 
meetings. 
9B.  The Vice-President.—The Vice-President shall act in the absence of the President 
and shall carry out any duties assigned to him/her by the President. 
9C.  Office of the Council.—The office of the council will consist of full -time employees 
of the Council, including a Secretary, Finance director, Human resource Director and 
such other persons as Council might consider necessary for the efficient functioning 
of Council and to meet the aims of this Act. Council will have the authority to create, 
redesignate or abolish posts, and establish salaries and benefits for its employees, so 
long as the fiscal implications remain within the approved budget: 
 
Provided the Federal Government may by notification direct the National 
Medical Authority to undertak e and provide all administrative functions of the 
PN&MC including the functions of the    Finance    Director,    Human    Resource    
Director,    Director Curriculum and Education and Director Registration except the 
functions of the Secretary which shal l be performed by the Secretary of the Council. 
The costs of such administrative functions shall be reimbursed to the National 
Medical Authority by the PN&MC or the Fed eral Government as directed by the 
Federal Government. 
 
9D.  Secretary.—The Council will  appoint a full time Secretary as prescribed. The 
Secretary shall: 
(a) Act under the direction of and report to the President and Council; 
(b) Be responsible for the efficient management of the office of the PN&MC; 
(c) Send out notices for the meetings to be held in c onsultation with the President 
and shall record the minutes of all meetings and send out notices along with 
the agenda; 
(d) Keep the President informed of all matters; and 
(e) Perform any other duties as prescribed by the President and Council. 
 
9E.    Finance Dir ector.— The Council subject to section 9C w ill appoint a full time 
Finance  Director  as  prescribed. The  Finance  Director  shall  be  responsible  for  
the 
 
 
1Subs., and ins. by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) ss.10 & 11.   
 
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 financial management and maintenance of proper accounts of the Council and shall 
ensure the annual audit by a duly appointed registered chartered accountant. He shall 
report all matters to the President and shall keep the Council informed of all 
important matters, and update the Council at each Council meeting. 
9F.  Appointment of other Personnel .— (1) The Council may appoint any other 
personnel, including a Direct or of Registration and a Director o f Curriculum and 
Education, as required for the effic ient functioning of the Council to meet the 
requirements of the Act as deemed fit by council. 
(2) The Council shall determine, in accordance with the  available budget, the terms and 
conditions of service and the pay and allowances of the officers and servants. 
9G. Functions of Council.—Function of the Council shall be,— 
(a) to administer, manage and run the affairs of the PN&MC efficiently and to 
hire and fire staff whenever or wherever deemed necessary in the interests of 
the PN&MC. 
(b)       to properly maintain the records, minutes and all documents of the PN&MC. 
(c)  to administer the finance and maintain the accounts of the PN&MC with 
annual audits by a chartered accountant duly appointed by the Council. 
(d)  to hire staff to positions necessary for the efficie nt administration and 
management of the PN&MC. 
(e)  to co-opt, or appoint persons who are not members of the Council to serve on 
commissions, or to provide consultation and advice to the Council. 
(f)  to acquire, rent, let, hire or dispose off property, bo rrow moneys, accept and 
administer any trust or donation , and charge fees for any services of the 
Council, in the interests of the promotion of the purposes of the Act. 
(g)  to carry out all actions connected and ancillary to the purposes of the Act.] 
10.  Officers  and  1[Supportive Staff] of  the  Council.—(1)  The  Council  shall  appoint  
1[professional and administrative and supportive staff o n contract] as it  may deem 1[fit and] 
necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act: 
1[*  *  *  *  *  *  *]  
(2) The Council shall, 1[*****], determine the terms and conditions of service and fix the 
pay and allowances of its officers and 1[supportive staff]. 
11. 2[*]Nursing Exa mination Board.— 2[(1) The PN&MC in consultation with Federal 
Government shall constitute a nursing examination board.] 
 
 
1Subs., ins. deleted and omitted by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) s.12.   
2Omitted and Subs. by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) s.13.   
 
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(2) The functions of a Board shall be 1[to hold examinations and] to confer, grant or issue 
diplomas, licenses, certificates or other documents stating or implying that the holder, grantee 
or recipient thereof has acquired a qualification in nursing, midwifery, health visiting, public health 
nursing or auxiliary nursing 1[*****]. 
1[(3) Verify Pre -enrollment certificates from the relevant authority on random  basis. The 
board shall verify from issuing board of higher secondary & intermediate boards or authorities on 
random basis each year and send report to the Council. 
(4) If any documents are found fake or forged then debar student and issue warning letter t o 
the institution from where the enrolment has been sent. A copy of such documents must be sent to 
PN&MC.] 
 
(3) A Board shall conduct its proceedings in such manner as may be prescribed. 
2[12. Recognition of institutions or authority conducting educational  course or 
programs.—(1) Any institution or authority aiming to conduct any Degree/courses/programs of 
study, in nursing, midwifery and health vi siting shall apply to the PN&MC  for its recognition. The 
institution may start the course only after obtaining approval from the PN&MC,— 
(2)  The Council may hold such inquiry as it may think fit, to requir e the institutio n or 
authority making an application under sub-section (1), to fulfil the following requirements as may be 
prescribed by the PN&MC,— 
(a) Proof of  legitimacy of the inst itution - submit documentary proof of 
registration under whichever authority registered;  and financial sus tainability 
for next five years; 
(b) Prove capacity to conduct   the program   applied for by possessing the,— 
(i) Proper infrastructure; 
(ii) Qualified number of faculty; and  
(iii) Clinical facility; 
(c)  Satisfy the PN&MC that it shall  comply with the Rules, Regulations and 
Standards as prescribed by the PN&MC.] 
13. 2[Recognition of foreign qualification].—(1) The Council may, for settling a scheme of 
reciprocity for recognition of qualifications, enter into negotiations with any authority in a foreign 
country which, by the law of such country, is entrusted with the maintenance  of,  or  is  authorised  
to  maintain,  a  register  of  nurses,  midwives  or  health visitors. 
 
(2) The Council may, in pursuance of any scheme of reciprocity settled under sub-section 
(1), by noti fication in the official Gazette, declare in respect of any q ualification or hi gher 
qualification  granted  by  any  authority  in  such  country  that  such  qualification  or  such higher  
 
 
1Ins. and omitted by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) s.13.   
2Subs., by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) ss.14 & 15.   
 
 
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qualification, or such qualification or higher qualification only when granted after the date specified 
in the notification, shall be a recognised qualification or a recognised higher qu alification for the 
purposes of this Act. 
(3) Notwithstanding that a scheme of reciprocity has not been settled under sub-section (1), 
the Federal Government may, after consultation with the Coun cil, by notification in  the official 
Gazette, declare that a qualification or higher qualification granted by an institution or authority of 
a foreign  country shall,  for such  p eriod  and  subj ect  to  su ch conditions, if any, as may be 
specified in the notification, be a recognised qualification or a recognised higher qualification for the 
purposes of this Act. 
14. Certification of certain persons as possessed of recognized qualification.— (1) 
Where, upon an application made in this behalf, the Council is satisfied that a person is, by reason 
of qualifications granted by an institution outside Pakistan and of experience gained in 
Pakistan, possessed of qualifications not inferior to  a recognised qualification, it m ay,  with  the  
approval  of the  1[Higher Education Commission] ,  certify that  such  person  poss esses 
qualifications which entitle him to be regarded as possessing a recognised qualification. 
(2) A person in favour of whom a certificate under subsection (1) has been granted shall be 
deemed to be possessed of a recognised qualification for the purposes of this Act. 
 
15. Effect of recognition.— Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the 
time being in force,— 
 
(a)      a  person possessing a recognised qualification shall be entitled to be enrolled 
in the register; 
 
(b)      a p erson possessing a recognised higher qualification shall be entitled to have 
such qualification entered as a supplementary qualification in the register; 
and 
 
(c)       no person shall, after the commencement of this Act, be entitled— 
 
 
(i)       to  be enrolled in the register as a nurse, midwife, health visitor, public 
health nurse or nursing auxiliary unl ess such person possesses a 
recognised qualification; or 
 
 
(ii)    to have any of his qualifications which is not a recognised higher 
qualification entered as 1[an advanced professional] qualification in the 
register. 
 
16. I nstitutions to furnish information required by Co uncil.—Every institution or  
authority which conducts any 2[educational programs] for the purpose of preparing candidates   for   
any   recognised qualification or recognised   higher   qualification,   or applies for the recognition of 
any qualifications granted by it 2[in the fields Nursing,  Midwifery or Healt h Visitors], shall furnish 
to the Council such information as it may, from time to time, require relating to— 
(a)       the 2[educational program s]; 
(b)       examinations conducted during such 2[educational programs] ; 
 
1Subs. by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) ss.16 & 17.   
2Subs., ins. by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) s.18.   
 
 
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(c)      the  ages  at  which  admissions  are  allowed  to  such  courses  of  study  and 
training; and 
1[(d) Clinical setting and beds pertaining to education Program; and 
(e)  Any other matter generally pertinent to the requirements for its recognition.] 
(d)       any other matter generally pertinent to the requirements for its recognition. 
17. Inspection of institution.—2[(1) The Council shall form a Committee for accreditation 
from amongst those who have a qualification level higher than the qualificat ion level of the program 
for which the institution or authority is applying for recognition.] 
(2) The  persons nominated under sub-section (1) sh all report to the 2[Council]  on the 
suitability of the institution or authority for the purposes of 2[educationa l program]  and the 
adequacy of training imparted therein. 
(3) The 2[Council] shall forward a copy of  a report made under sub-section (2) to the 
institution or authority concerned for making such observations thereon as it may think fit to make 
within the period specified by the Committee. 
2[(4) Upon the expiry of the period specified under sub -section (3) the Counc il shall, make 
such recommendations thereon as it may deem fit.] 
2[(5) Council Members cannot be members of the Accreditation committee. 
(6) Any college or institution affiliated with a university for purposes of granting a nursing 
qualification shall be i nspected and accredited and reg ulated by the university and the Higher 
Education Commission subject to criteria of accreditation and curriculum p rescribed by the 
PN&MC.] 
18. Withdrawal of recognition.—(1) Where, after considering a report submitted und er 
sub-section (4) of section 17, the Council is of opinion— 
(a)    that the 2[educational program] required to be undergone for obtaining a 
recognised qualification or recognised higher qualification, or conditions for 
admission to such 2[educational program] , or the standards of proficiency 
acquired by the candidates at the examinations held by the Board, are not in 
conformity with, or fall short of the standards required by, the regulations, or 
2[(b) that an Institution or authority recognized by the Council  for the education of 
Nurses, Midwives, Lady Health Visitors does not satisfy the prescribed 
requirements as to educational program for obtaining recognized qualifications 
or recognized higher qualifications the council shall send a statement to that 
effect stating clearly the reasons for non -recognition to the institution or 
authority concerned, and requesting submission within a specified period or 
such explanation as the institution or authority may like to offer.] 
2[*  *  *  *  *  *  *] 
 
1Ins. by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) s.18.   
2Subs., ins. omitted by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) ss.19 & 20.   
 
Page 14 of 17  
 
(3) Upon the expiry of the period specified under 1[clause (b) of sub-section (1)], the 
1[Council], after considering the explanation, if any, offered by any institution or authority, 1[shall] 
take such steps as may be necessary to ensure compliance by the institution  or authority with the 
requirements of this Act and regulations. 
(4) Without prejudice to any steps that may be taken by it under sub-section (3) with respect 
to an institution or authority, the Council may, by notification in the official Gazette, declare that 
any qualification granted by such institution or authority which is a recognised qualification or a 
recognised higher qualification shall, if it is granted after a date specified in the notification, cease 
to be recognised qualification or, as the case may be, a recognised higher qualification. 
(5) The Council may, by notification in the official Gazette, declare that any qualification 
granted outside Pakistan which is a recognised qualification or a recognised higher qualification 
shall, if it is granted after a date specified in the notification, cease to be a recognised qualification 
or, as the case may be, a recognised higher qualification. 
2[18A. Maintenance of Data Base.—The council will maintain the following data for 
national nursing human resources, — 
(a) Pre-Registration; 
(b) Registration; and 
(c) Faculty registration: 
Provided the Council shall maintain and verify the CNIC and all other necessary credentials 
of a person registered and licensed by the PN&MC and carr y out biometrics of all persons registered 
and maintain the updated information of where each person registered  and licensed under the Act is 
working. Such information shall be shared by the Council with the Federal Government.  Provincial 
Governments, National Medical Authority and the respective healthcare commissions.] 
 
19. Maintenance of the register.— The Council shall, for the purpose of registration of 
nurses, midwives, health visitors and nursing auxiliaries possessing recognised qu alifications or 
recognised higher qu alifications, maintain a register in which shall be entered s uch p articulars 
relating to the persons registerd as may be prescribed. 
20. Procedure for registration.—(1) Any   person   possessing   a   recognised qualification 
or recognised higher qualification who is not disqualified for registration under s ection 22 may 
make an application, accompanied by the prescribed fee, for registration of his n ame in the 
register. 
(2) The Council shall, if it is satisfied that the applicant possesses a recognised qualification 
or recognised higher qualification and is not disqualified for registration under section 22, register 
the name of the applicant in the register. 
 
(3) No application under sub-section (1) shall be rejected except after giving the applicant an 
opportunity of being heard. 
 
 
1Subs., by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) s.20.  
2Ins., by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) s.21.   
  
 
Page 15 of 17  
 
21. Removal of name from the register.—(1) T he Council may, if it is satisfied that a  
person has, after his registration, become disqualified for such registration, remove the name of 
such person from the register and thereupon such person shall cease to be so registered: 
Provided that no name shall be so removed except after giving the  person affected an 
opportunity of being heard 1[where a person’s name has been removed from the register, the Council 
shall publish this fact on its website]. 
(2) The Council may, at any time for reason to be recorded in writing, restore in the register 
the name of any person 1[who] has been removed therefrom under sub-section (1). 
22. Disqualification for registration. A person shall be disqualified for registration in the 
register if he— 
(a) has been convicted of any offence under this Act or of any other offence 
which in the opinion of the Council implies a defect of character; or 
 (b) has, at any enquiry held by the Council in which the person was given a 
reasonable opportunity of being heard, been found guilty of such conduct as 
is considered derogatory to his profession in accordance with the regulations 
made under section 26. 
23. Prohibition of employment of  unregistered nurses, etc. No hospital, asylum, 
infirmary, dispensary or lying in hospital maintained 1[by public or private  sector] shall employ 
therein any person as nurse, midwife, health visitor or nursing auxiliary unless such person— 
 
(a)       is registered in the register; or 
 
(b)       is a trainee at an institution recognised for the purpose by the Council and is 
certified by t he head of that institution to have already received sufficient 
training to be able to perform his duties safely and satisfactorily. 
 
24. Penalty for certain offences.—(1) A person shall be punishable with imprisonment of 
either description for a term which may extend to 2[one year], or with fine 2[***], or with both, if— 
(a)       he procures or attempts to procure the registration of his name in the register, 
or abets the procurement of such registration of any name, by m aking or 
causing to be made in any m anner whatsoever any false or fraudulent 
statement, representation or declaration; or 
(b)     h e, not being registered in the register, represents that he is so registered, or 
uses with his name any title or any word or letter representing or calculated to 
represent that he is so registered; or 
(c) he p ractices as a nurse, midwife, health visitor or nu rsing auxiliary in 
contravention of any regulations made under section 26. 
2[(2) No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedi ng shall lie against th e Government, the 
Council or any committee thereof, or any officer or staff of the Gover nment or Council for anything 
which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act.] 
 
1Ins., and subs., by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) ss.22 & 23.  
2Subs.,omitted and ins by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) s.24.   
 
Page 16 of 17  
 
25. Annual report.—(1) The Council shall submit to the Federal Government 1[and display 
on its website], as soon as possible after the end of every 1[fiscal] year, a report on the conduct of its 
affairs during that year. 
 
(2) The Federal Government may at any time require the Council to furnish it with— 
 
(a)  a report on any subject with which the Council is concerned; 
 
(b)      any return, statement, statistics or other information regarding any matter 
under the control of the Council; or 
 
(c)      a copy of any document in the charge of the Council,  
 
and the Council shall comply with every such requisition. 
26. Power to make regulations.—(1) The Council 1[shall], make regulations for carrying 
out the purposes of this Act. 
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such 
regulations may provide for— 
 
(a)      the management of the property of the Council and the maintenance and audit 
of its accounts; 
 
(b)       the  manner  in  which  the  elections  of  the  President,  Vice-President  and 
members shall be conducted; 
 
(c)       the summoning and holding of the meetings of the Council or of a Board, the 
conduct  of  business  thereat  and  the  numb er  of  m embers  necessary  t o 
constitute a quorum; 
 
(d)     p rescribing the functions of the Executive Committee, the summoning and 
holding of meetings thereof, the times and places at which such meetings 
shall be held, and the number of members necessary to constitute a quorum; 
 
(e)       prescribing the powers and duties of the President and the Vice-President; 
 
(f)        p rescribing the terms and conditions of service and the powers and duties of 
the officers and 2[supportive staff] of the Council; 
 
(g)      1[* * * * * * *] 
(h)       prescribing the conditions for admission to courses of training as aforesaid; 
 
(i)        p rescribing  the  standards  of  examination  and  other  requirements  to  be 
satisfied for declaration of any q ualification as recognised qualification or 
recognized higher qualification; 
 
 
1Ins., subs., and omitted by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) ss.25 & 26.  
 
 
 
Page 17 of 17  
 
(j)        regulating  the  practice  of  nurses,  midwives,  health  visitors  and  nursing 
auxiliaries and for prohibiting p ersons not registered in the register from so 
practicing; 
 
(k)       prescribing fees to be charged for registration or for any other purpose of the 
Act; 
(1)       prescribing fees for recognition of any institution or authority; and 
1[(m)  Prescribing a code of professional conduct and standard for practice and 
education for Nurses, Midwives and Lady Health Visitors; and 
(n) Prescribing the functions of the Nursing Examination Boards.] 
(m)      any other matter which is to be or may be prescribed. 
1[26A. Powers to make Rules .—The Federal Government may make rules for carrying out 
the purposes of this Act in respect of functions ascribed to the Federal Government under the Act.] 
27. [Repeal and Saving.] Omitted by the Federal Laws. (Revision and Declaration) 
Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981). s. 3 and Sch., II. 
 
 
2[THE SCHEDULE 
[See section 3(n)] 
RECOGNIZED QUALIFICATION:  
 
(a) Bachelor's of Science in Nursing: Four years Degree Course. 
(b) Post RN Bachelor’s in Nursing: Two years Degree Course. 
(c) Master’s in Nursing (MSN): Two years Degree Course. 
(d) Doctorate in Nursing: 4 years Degree Course. 
(e) Post Basic Specialization: 1 year diploma course in diffe rent disciplines e.g. C ardiac 
Care Nursing, Oncology Nursing etc. 
(f) Lady Health Visitor (LHV): Twenty-seven months Diploma Course. 
(g) Community Midwife (CMW): Two years Diploma Course. 
(h) Pupil Midwife: One year Certificate Course. 
(i) Associate Degree (LHV): Two years Course. 
(j) Associate Midwifery Degree: Two years Midwifery Course. 
(k) Post Associate Bachelor’s Degree for (LHV): Two years Degree Course. 
(l) Post Associate Midwifery Degree (RM): Two years Midwifery Degree Course.] 
 
 
 1Ins. by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) ss.26 & 27.  
 2Subs. by Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No V of 2023) s.28.