The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has fined Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) Rs 20 million over the death of a student, Fariha Ibrahim, inside the university hostel in Lahore.
The PMDC Disciplinary Committee imposed the penalty after reviewing the facts. It said the university was obliged to take adequate measures to protect and look after its students. According to committee documents, the decision was sent to the university after formal approval by the PMDC Council.
Regulator orders stronger student welfare measures
The committee directed FJMU to ensure effective oversight of students and to monitor their physical and mental health closely. The regulator also instructed the university to start mentorship, harassment prevention and counselling programmes for female students.
Before issuing the fine, the PMDC had sought a formal response from the university about the death. FJMU has filed a review petition against the penalty.
Police describe events before the death
Police said Fariha, a 22-year-old final-year student, allegedly jumped from the roof of the college hostel in February. She suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to hospital, but could not survive due to excessive blood loss, police said. Medical officials said she died as a result of critical head trauma.
In preliminary findings, police said Fariha had reportedly been suffering from severe depression for the past six months. One final-year paper had already been completed, while she had been preparing for another examination scheduled for 19 February. Police said further investigation is under way and a medical board has been formed to examine the circumstances. Fariha was originally from Kashmir and had been living in Lahore with her father.
