PMDC warns against action as probe 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 chairman Professor Rizwan Taj said the council “strongly condemned” the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the allegations of harassment, and called the death “deeply alarming”.

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

The PMDC welcomed the investigation launched by the Sindh government and stressed that the investigation needs to be thoroughly investigated, 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 colleges to establish anti-harassment committees to ensure timely handling of complaints and protect the mental well-being of students.

He also advised students to approach the PMDC directly if their concerns are not addressed at the institutional level.

Read: Medical student dies following suspicion of suicide

Professor Taj said failure to implement these guidelines or provide a safe academic environment “would constitute a violation of PMDC regulations”.

He added that the formation of harassment committees was “not a formality but an essential safeguard”, warning that any negligence would result in strict regulatory action.

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

Expressing its condolences, the council urged medical institutions to ensure a “safe, respectful and supportive academic environment,” stressing that any form of harassment or misconduct constitutes a violation of ethical and regulatory standards.

“The safety, dignity and mental well-being of students remain 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, at a news conference, said university officials ignored her complaints. A post-mortem was conducted at Mirpurkhas Civil Hospital.

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

According to the university administration, a verbal complaint was received, but no written complaint was filed and the matter did not reach the chancellor’s office. The university has since suspended the instructor named in the complaint.

Meanwhile, Sindh Interior Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar had ordered that a “transparent, impartial and thorough” investigation be conducted into the death of a medical student in Mirpurkhas.

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