


Qandeel Murtaza, a student from Haripur, Pakistan, has made history at Khyber Girls Medical College by winning a record 17 gold medals in the MBBS programme.
She received the medals during the college’s 2026 convocation ceremony in Peshawar. The awards were presented by Sohail Afridi in the presence of Qandeel’s father, who stood proudly beside her on stage.
Videos from the ceremony have gone viral on social media, showing the emotional moment for the family. Qandeel’s father works as a tailor and supported his children’s education despite financial challenges.
According to local reports, no student in the history of the college has previously won 17 gold medals in the MBBS course.
Several other students were also recognised at the ceremony. Muqaddas won 10 gold medals, while Sabih received seven.
Speaking to the media, Qandeel’s father shared the educational achievements of his family. One of Qandeel’s sisters is studying at Khyber Medical College. Another works as a Grade-17 officer at the Federal Investigation Agency, while another daughter has completed a PhD and is working in Islamabad. Their only son is an engineer.
Qandeel’s achievement has received widespread praise online, with many describing her success as an inspiration for students from modest backgrounds across Pakistan.