LAHORE: A first-year nursing student at Fatima Jinnah Medical University has reportedly survived a suicide attempt and has called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take action regarding alleged harassment and character defamation by the institution’s female principal.
Iman Fatima, enrolled at the university’s College of Nursing and Midwifery, was rescued by fellow nursing students on Sunday when she was reportedly trying to cut her jugular vein.
According to Tahira Sagheer, the Director General of Nursing Punjab, the student’s attempt appears to have stemmed from the principal’s alleged pattern of using abusive language and engaging in harassment and character assassination.
Sagheer noted that the student, originally from Gujranwala, had requested a leave of absence from the principal. The student has since filed a formal complaint with the Secretary of Health, requesting action against the principal, and a hearing is scheduled for today.
“The principal, the student, and eyewitness nurses have all been summoned regarding this matter. If the allegations are substantiated, appropriate action will be taken,” Sagheer stated.
The student has accused the principal of character defamation and harassment, claiming, “The principal treats every girl in this manner, including me.” She expressed concern that the college administration did not notify her parents about her injury and denied them access to see her.
“I felt compelled to take this drastic step after the principal humiliated me and tarnished my reputation. She has been harassing me for six months,” the student asserted.
This incident comes in the wake of widespread unrest across Punjab, especially in Lahore, due to viral rape allegations that have sparked multiple student demonstrations in various cities over recent days.
Last week, violent protests in Lahore resulted in injuries to more than two dozen individuals, including four police officers.
The unrest prompted a strong response from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who, during a briefing to the media on October 16, announced plans to crack down on those spreading misinformation about the alleged rape of a student.
