PM Shehbaz takes notice of Islamabad university student’s death, orders suspect’s arrest

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the death of Laiba Ejaz, a 22-year-old gold medallist from the International Islamic University Islamabad, and directed the Islamabad inspector general of police (IGP) and chief commissioner to immediately arrest the suspect accused of defrauding her.

Describing the young student’s death as an extremely tragic incident, the prime minister directed authorities to take immediate action against the suspect, according to a statement.

Shehbaz said the suspect would be arrested and punished in accordance with the law.

Separately, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director Shehzad Bukhari has also taken notice of the case, while the agency has contacted Laiba’s family to obtain details, sources said on Saturday.

The FIA has sought a detailed account of the case from Laiba’s maternal uncle, Rana Amjad, according to the sources.

What’s the case?

Laiba, daughter of Muhammad Ejaz, was found hanging from a tree within the jurisdiction of Ramna police station on Friday. She was a resident of G-10 Markaz in Islamabad.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. Initial reports suggested suicide, but investigators have yet to reach a final conclusion.

Her funeral prayers were offered near G-10 Markaz, and she was buried at the H-11 cemetery in Islamabad.

Family alleges Rs7 million admission fraud

Laiba had completed her bachelor’s degree at the International Islamic University Islamabad with a gold medal and wanted to pursue further studies in the United States, according to her family.

Her relatives alleged that an education consultant demanded Rs7 million to secure her admission to a US university. They said the documents provided in connection with the admission were later found to be fake when checked.

According to the family, Laiba’s father, Muhammad Ejaz, supported his children’s education by selling milk on a motorcycle. He reportedly arranged Rs2.1 million in cash after selling a plot of land, while Laiba’s mother pledged her jewellery at a bank to help raise the remaining amount.

The family alleged that Laiba had sent a message to her maternal uncle asking him not to tell her father about the suspected fraud, fearing the news would cause him distress.