In a deeply troubling incident, 25-year-old Usman Ali, an employee of The City School’s Regional Head Office in Karachi, allegedly committed suicide by jumping from the 8th floor of the institution’s building. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising serious concerns about workplace practices and mental health.
The Brigade Police Station has registered a case, initially under Section 322 (involuntary manslaughter) and Section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). According to police sources, the case stems from claims made by Usman and his family about persistent mental harassment by certain individuals at his workplace, MM News reported it today.
Family’s Account of Events
Usman Ali’s brother told police that his sibling left home for work at 8:15 AM, and less than an hour later, the family received a phone call saying that Usman’s health had suddenly deteriorated. He was reportedly being rushed to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center. However, by the time the family arrived, Usman had already passed away.
Following the incident, it was discovered that Usman had published a post on Facebook, accusing three individuals from The City School’s administration of subjecting him to mental and emotional abuse. This post became a key piece of evidence, prompting police to take the matter seriously and register a formal investigation.
Workplace Culture Under Scrutiny
The tragedy has sparked a broader conversation on social media about the internal culture of The City School. Several former and current employees have come forward to share their own disturbing experiences, describing the work environment as toxic and fear-driven.
Common complaints include:
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An ineffective HR system that exists “only on paper.”
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Excessive workload and unreasonable expectations.
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Severe punishments for minor errors or non-compliance.
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Routine threats of termination.
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Final salaries often withheld from departing employees.
These allegations have intensified calls for a transparent and impartial investigation, not just into Usman’s death, but also into the broader working conditions at one of the country’s most prominent private educational institutions.
Legal and Public Response
Legal experts point out that if the allegations of mental harassment are proven, criminal liability may be extended to those named in the Facebook post and possibly institutional negligence by The City School. The case is expected to gain more traction in the coming days as police continue their inquiry.
Meanwhile, civil society organizations and mental health advocates are urging corporations and educational institutions to take workplace mental health more seriously and to implement support systems for employees who may be struggling.
This incident is a grim reminder of the urgent need to address mental health awareness, employee rights, and organizational accountability in Pakistan’s corporate and educational sectors.
