PMDC fines Fatima Jinnah Medical University Rs 2 crore; bail granted in Islamabad student case

What happened

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has imposed a Rs 20 million fine on Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) following the death of a female student at its Lahore hostel [1]. The PMDC Disciplinary Committee made this decision after reviewing the circumstances and stating the university is responsible for student safety and welfare [1]. The university has filed a review petition with the PMDC to challenge this fine [1].

In a separate case in Islamabad, the Additional District and Sessions Court granted interim bail to a co-suspect, Nihar Muhammad, in the suicide case of Laiba Ijaz [2, 3]. The bail is valid until October 20, provided against surety bonds worth Rs 20,000 [2, 3]. The court has directed all parties to present arguments at the next hearing on October 20 [2, 3].

Regarding the Laiba Ijaz case, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) registered a case against Muhammad Nauman and Fatima Sarwar for alleged cheating and immigration-related fraud [2, 3]. The FIA claims the suspects allegedly defrauded the student’s family of millions of rupees by promising admission to Harvard University in the US and employment for her brother [3]. While one source states the family lost Rs 7 million [2], another source reports the amount defrauded was Rs 5 million [3]. The main suspect, Nauman, was sent on a five-day physical remand on October 12 [2].

Who is affected

• Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU): The institution faces a Rs 20 million fine and has been directed by the PMDC to strengthen student supervision, monitor physical and mental health, and introduce mentorship, counseling, and harassment prevention programs [1].
• Laiba Ijaz’s family: The family of the 20-year-old International Islamic University student was allegedly defrauded of millions of rupees by a consultant [2, 3].
• Students at FJMU: The university is required to improve welfare and safety measures for its female students [1].

What students should do next

• FJMU Students: The university is directed to implement new mentorship, counseling, and harassment prevention programs [1].

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