LAHORE: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has fined Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) Rs 20 million over the death of a student, Fariha Ibrahim, inside the university hostel, ARY News reported.
The PMDC Disciplinary Committee imposed the fine after reviewing the facts, stating that the university was obligated to implement adequate measures for the protection and welfare of its students.
The committee also directed the university to ensure effective oversight of students and maintain close monitoring of their physical and mental health.
Furthermore, the PMDC instructed FJMU to initiate mentorship, harassment prevention, and counseling programs for female students.
Earlier, the PMDC had sought a formal response from the university regarding Fariha Ibrahim’s death in the hostel.
According to committee documents, the decision was dispatched to the university following formal approval by the PMDC Council.
Meanwhile, FJMU has filed a review petition with the PMDC against the Rs 20 million penalty.
Earlier, the female student of FJMU, Fariha had jumped from the third floor of the university in Lahore during February this year.
The student allegedly jumped from the roof of the college hostel. Police said she sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to hospital, but could not survive due to excessive blood loss.
Medical officials identified the deceased as 22-year-old Fariha, a final-year student whose examinations were under way. Doctors confirmed that she died as a result of critical head trauma.
In its preliminary findings, police stated that Fariha had reportedly been suffering from severe depression for the past six months. One of her final-year papers had already been completed, while another examination was scheduled for 19 February, for which she had been preparing.
Police said further investigation is under way and a medical board has been constituted to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Fariha was originally from Kashmir and was living in Lahore with her father