The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has formally requested all relevant documentation from a medical college in Mirpurkhas after the unexplained death of a third-year medical student, Fehmida Laghari. This request follows serious allegations of harassment linked to the case.
In a significant development, the PMDC has also called for an inquiry report from the provincial government to better understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. Fehmida Laghari is reported to have died by suicide, with her family accusing a college teacher of harassment.
The council emphasized its strict zero-tolerance stance on any form of harassment against students. PMDC President Prof Rizwan Taj stated that disciplinary action would be pursued through the council’s disciplinary committee against any faculty member or institution found culpable.
Prof Taj further highlighted that students have the right to directly approach harassment committees to file complaints. He underscored that providing a safe educational environment is mandatory, and any failure in this regard, including harassment, threats, or misconduct, would be met with stringent consequences.
Student safety and mental well-being remain paramount concerns for the PMDC. The council reiterated that all medical and dental colleges are required to maintain anti-harassment committees to address such issues proactively.
Meanwhile, police and college officials have not publicly disclosed details about the circumstances of Fehmida Laghari’s death. Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing in light of the allegations presented by the family.
