ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) has accelerated its inquiry into the death of Fahmeeda Laghari, a third-year medical student of Muhammad Medical College, and constituted a fact-finding committee to conduct a parallel investigation.
According to a PM&DC statement issued on Sunday, Council President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj appointed a senior female officer to visit the bereaved family, offer condolences on behalf of the Council, and gather firsthand information regarding the circumstances leading to the incident.
The officer reportedly met family members at their residence and collected details related to the case. Her report has been submitted to the Council and is currently under review as part of the ongoing proceedings.
According to the family’s account, the deceased had been under severe stress in the days before her death and was allegedly facing continuous harassment by certain individuals, including fellow students. The family stated that complaints had been brought to the notice of the college administration, but no effective action was taken.
The PM&DC said relevant material and preliminary evidence had been shared, while further clarity was expected through forensic examination of mobile phone data.
Earlier, PM&DC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj conducted a preliminary hearing on April 21, during which the college administration was summoned to present its position along with complete institutional records. The matter was later referred to the disciplinary committee for further proceedings.
The Council stated that any institution failing to provide a safe academic environment or implement mandatory anti-harassment mechanisms would face strict disciplinary action under PM&DC regulations.
PM&DC has also directed all medical and dental institutions across the country to ensure anti-harassment committees are fully functional, responsive, and accessible to students for timely resolution of complaints.
Students were advised that if institutional mechanisms fail, they may directly approach the PM&DC Harassment Committee.
The Council reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the dignity, safety, and mental well-being of students in medical and dental institutions across Pakistan and said negligence or misconduct in this regard would not be tolerated.
