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

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 led her to take the extreme step.

The PMDC welcomed the inquiry initiated by the Sindh government and stressed that the investigation 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 colleges to establish anti-harassment committees to ensure timely redressal of complaints and safeguard students’ mental well-being.

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

Read: Medical student dies in suspected suicide

Prof Taj said that failure to implement these directives or to 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 critical safeguard”, warning 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 would be referred to its disciplinary committee after reviewing the report.

Expressing condolences, the council urged 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 remain our top priority,” Prof Taj said, adding that “no compromise will be tolerated in this regard”.

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

Meanwhile, the 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 had been received, but no written complaint was submitted, and the matter did not reach the chancellor’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” investigation be carried out into the death of a medical student in Mirpurkhas.

He vowed that “no leniency would be shown towards those involved in harassment of women” and instructed the deputy inspector general of police, Mirpurkhas, to form an inquiry committee and submit a report within 10 days.