Suspect remanded in Laiba 'suicide' case

A judicial magistrate on Monday remanded a suspect in a case concerning the alleged fraud involving Laiba Ijaz, a former student of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) who reportedly died by suicide, in police custody for five days. The court directed the police to produce the suspect named Nauman before it again upon the completion of the physical remand.

Islamabad police produced the suspect with his face covered before Judicial Magistrate Zunaira Zafar. Seeking a 10-day physical remand, the police submitted that a thorough investigation was necessary to establish the facts and circumstances of the case. They told the court that further investigation was required in light of the available evidence and preliminary findings.

The police also pleaded that the suspect's alleged role in the incident needed to be determined, the available evidence verified, and relevant items and other potential evidence examined.

After hearing the police's request, the court granted a five-day physical remand and adjourned the proceedings. A case against the suspect has been registered at Ramna Police Station.

Meanwhile, university records relating to Laiba have emerged, indicating that she registered at the IIUI in 2019 and enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (BS) Physics programme.

According to the documents, her academic record reflects the degree as completed.

The university records also contain her residential address and national identity card number (CNIC). The records further indicate that the girl was no longer enrolled at the university.

The allegations surrounding the case remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.