A third-year medical student of Muhammad Medical College, now operating as the Ibne Sina University in Mirpurkhas, allegedly committed suicide by shooting herself with her father’s handgun, prompting the Sindh government to order a high level inquiry into claims of harassment by a college professor.
Family members said Fahmeeda Laghari, a third-year student, died on Wednesday at her residence. Her maternal uncle Waseem Laghari told newsmen that the student had been under severe distress due to alleged harassment by a faculty member, which they believed led to the tragic incident.
The case has triggered a strong response from the Sindh government, with Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar directing immediate action. Following his instructions, the Mirpurkhas deputy inspector general of police (DIG) constituted a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the case.
Officials said the committee had been tasked with submitting its report within 10 days. It comprises Mirpurkhas SSP Syed Fida Hussain Shah, Headquarters SP Aftab Hussain Talpur and City SP Qurratulain.
According to the official notification, the committee would conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident, examining all possible angles, including allegations of harassment, institutional responsibility and any potential criminal negligence.
Authorities said the inquiry body had been empowered to determine responsibility of any individual or institution found involved, and to assess whether there was any lapse or misconduct that contributed to the incident. The committee would also carry out a detailed forensic and analytical review of any audio or written message left behind by the deceased, if available.
Officials added the investigation would not be limited to individual accountability but it would also examine administrative and systemic failures, if any, within the institution. The committee has been directed to identify gaps in oversight, student protection mechanisms and grievance redress systems.
The notification further states that the inquiry team would recommend legal as well as departmental action against those found responsible, and ensure that the investigation was conducted in a transparent, thorough and unbiased manner.
Meanwhile, a statement attributed to the owner of the medical college circulating on social media has rejected the harassment allegations and termed the incident a personal tragedy, claiming that no formal complaint had been filed by the student during her lifetime.
The statement also maintained that the institution maintained a safe academic environment. However, family members have contested this position, insisting that the student had been under mental pressure due to alleged conduct of a faculty member, and have demanded a fair and impartial investigation. Police said further action would be taken in light of findings of the inquiry committee.
