The UK remains the most sought-after destination for Pakistani students even after nine were held and later deported from Britain on suspicion of terrorism earlier this year, according to student visa consultants.

Pakistani students are still seeking admission to universities abroad, particularly to the UK. Most students did not ask questions about the attitude towards Pakistanis in the UK, although some were reluctant to register in a university there after the incident, they added.

A spokesman for HR Consultants in Pakistan told the Press Association: “The number of students applying to study in the UK has not decreased.

“The main reason why they decide to choose the UK over other countries like Australia is because there is comparative leniency in the students visa.”

He added that on an average they help around 500-600 students who apply to study in the UK every year and did not expect the figures to decrease.

Amanat Ali Anjum, a British Council consultant, also said the number of student visa applications filed with the British embassy was not likely to change.

Every year around 8,000 to 9,000 students get admission into universities across Britain, with most hoping to graduate with degrees in Business Administration and Chartered Accountancy, he added.

Another consultant said many students opted for the UK since several cities including Manchester, Birmingham and Bradford have a high population of Pakistanis.

However, others said they had seen a shift in the trend to other countries during the last few months with Australia becoming a favoured option.

A spokesman for Falcom Education and Consultancy Services said after the Pakistani students were deported from the UK, the trend had changed to other countries including Sweden and Germany.

A similar trend was being followed for immigration. “Earlier, businessmen and professionals preferred the UK for immigration, but now Canada has become the people’s desired destination,” he told Pakistani newspaper the Daily Times