PMDC warns of action as investigation into Mirpurkhas student’s death begins

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 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 accused a professor and some male colleagues at a private university of harassment and blackmail, which they said led her to take extreme action.

The PMDC welcomed the investigation initiated by the Sindh government and emphasized that the investigation should 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 colleges to set up anti-harassment committees to ensure timely redressal of grievances and safeguard the mental well-being of students.

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

Read: Medical student dies in suspected suicide

Professor Taj said failure to implement these directives 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 a fundamental safeguard”, warning that any negligence would trigger strict regulatory action.

The PMDC said it had sought full records of the case, including details of the incident, findings of inquiry committees 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”, highlighting that any form of harassment or misconduct constituted a violation of ethical and regulatory standards.

“The safety, dignity and mental well-being of students remain our top priority,” Professor Taj said, adding that “no compromise in this regard will be tolerated.”

The incident occurred near Shama Ground area within the limits of Satellite Town police station in Mirpurkhas. The victim’s family, during a press conference, alleged that university officials ignored their complaints. An autopsy was conducted at Mirpurkhas Civil Hospital.

Meanwhile, Mirpurkhas Deputy Inspector General of Police formed a three-member committee headed by Senior Superintendent of Police Syed Fida Hussain Shah to investigate the case 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 rectorate. The university has since suspended the professor named in the complaint.

Separately, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar had ordered a “transparent, impartial and thorough” investigation into the death of a medical student in Mirpurkhas.

He promised that “no leniency will be shown towards 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.