In a nutshell, the British government is refusing an increasingly larger number of student visa applications from Pakistan – about 18%. Because visa applications occur towards the end of the admissions process, universities that have reserved spots for successful Pakistani applicants might not be able to offer the spot to another student if the Pakistani’s visa is rejected and they cannot attend.
Even if they can get another student to accept the spot on short notice, the student will likely be British and thus pay lower fees. This would cause universities a substantial net loss, even if the seat were filled. Instead of absorbing those losses, universities are looking to offer seats to students from other countries who are more likely to actually get their visas and attend.
While we must unequivocally condemn those who abuse student visas, the British government and universities must not allow their actions to derail the dreams of an entire generation of genuine scholars. For its part, the Government of Pakistan also needs to do more to punish unscrupulous education agents who falsify documents to help unqualified students get student visas.
Another option may be to work with the UK and other countries on a system where substantial bonds or other guarantees can be used to increase the likelihood that students return — some countries require students to prove they can pay for the full cost of their education and stay abroad, even if they have scholarships that would reduce the actual amount needed.
What is most important is to find a workable solution — rigorous vetting, clearer communication and prosecuting individual fraud rather than presuming guilt by nationality.