PMDC seeks records after medical student’s mysterious death in Sindh

ISLAMABAD/MIRPURKHAS: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC)has sought records from a medical college in Mirpurkhas following the mysterious death of a third-year student and allegations of harassment.

The PMDC said it had sought all relevant records from the college and also sought an inquiry report from the provincial government.

The development comes after the death of medical student Fehmida Laghari, who allegedly died by suicide in Mirpurkhas. Her family has accused a college teacher of harassment.

The PMDC said that it maintained a zero-tolerance policy on harassment of students and warned that strict action would be taken against any faculty members or institutions found guilty.

Council President Prof Rizwan Taj said that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated through the council’s disciplinary committee, adding that students could directly file complaints with harassment committees.

He said that failure to provide a safe educational environment constituted a violation of rules, adding that any harassment, threats or misconduct would be dealt with strictly.

He said student safety and mental health remained a top priority.

The PMDC said that anti-harassment committees were mandatory in all medical and dental colleges.

Police and college officials have not yet publicly confirmed the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

However, authorities said that the matter was under investigation following allegations raised by the family.