PMDC warns of action as inquiry launched into Mirpurkhas student’s death

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) on Friday expressed deep concern over the death of a third-year medical student in Mirpurkhas and warned of strict action against any faculty member or institution found responsible.

PMDC President Prof Dr. Rizwan Taj said the council “strongly condemned” the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the allegations of harassment, and described the death as “deeply alarming”.

A 21-year-old student, Fahmeeda Laghari, allegedly committed suicide at her home in Mirpurkhas on Thursday by shooting herself. Her family has accused a teacher and some male colleagues at a private university of harassment and blackmail, which they said prompted her to take the extreme step.

The PMDC welcomed the inquiry initiated by the Sindh government and stressed that the inquiry must be thorough, adding that its findings should be shared with the council for further action.

The council reiterated that it had already directed all medical and dental schools to set up anti-bullying committees to ensure timely redressal of complaints and ensure the mental well-being of students.

It also advised that students can approach the PMDC directly if their concerns are not addressed at the institutional level.

Read: Medical student dies of suspected suicide

Prof Taj said failure to implement these directives or provide a safe academic environment “would constitute a violation of PMDC rules”.

He added that the formation of harassment committees was “not a formality, but a critical safeguard”, and warned that any negligence would invite strict regulatory action.

The PMDC said it had sought complete records of the case, including details of the incident, findings of inquiry committees and remedial measures taken by the institution. The matter will be referred to its disciplinary committee after reviewing the report.

The council expressed sympathy and called on medical institutions to ensure a “safe, respectful and supportive academic environment”, stressing that any form of harassment or misconduct was a violation of ethical and regulatory standards.

“Safety, dignity and mental well-being of students remains our top priority,” Prof Taj said, adding that “no compromise will be tolerated in this regard”.

The incident took place near Shama Ground area within the limits of Satellite Town police station in Mirpurkhas. The victim’s family claimed during a press conference that university officials ignored her complaints. A post-mortem was conducted at the Civil Hospital, Mirpurkhas.

Meanwhile, Mirpurkha’s Deputy Inspector General of Police formed a three-member committee headed by Senior Superintendent of Police Syed Fida Hussain Shah to investigate the matter within 10 days.

According to the university administration, an oral complaint had been received, but no written complaint was submitted, and the matter did not reach the rector’s office. The university has since suspended the teacher named in the complaint.

Separately, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar had directed that a “transparent, impartial and thorough” inquiry be conducted into the death of a medical student in Mirpurkhas.

He promised that “no leniency would be shown to those involved in harassment of women” and directed the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mirpurkhas, to form an inquiry committee and submit a report within 10 days.