The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has fined Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) Rs20 million following the death of student Fariha Ibrahim in a Lahore hostel in February 2026.
The PMDC Disciplinary Committee imposed the penalty after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident. It said the university must take appropriate measures to protect students and safeguard their welfare.
The committee also directed FJMU to strengthen student supervision and regularly monitor their physical and mental well-being. Additionally, it instructed the university to introduce mentorship, harassment prevention and counselling programmes for female students.
The regulator further ordered the university to establish systems for medical health checks, effective supervision and accountability. These measures aim to strengthen student support and improve safety arrangements across the institution.
PMDC Directs University to Strengthen Student Support
Alongside the financial penalty, the PMDC outlined several measures for improving campus and hostel safety. The directions emphasise the university’s responsibility to provide students with appropriate support and oversight.
The committee called for regular monitoring of students’ well-being and better access to counselling services. It also stressed the importance of mentorship programmes and measures to prevent harassment, particularly for female students.
According to committee documents, the decision reached the university after formal approval from the PMDC Council. The council had previously asked FJMU to submit an official response regarding Ibrahim’s death.
However, the university has challenged the penalty and filed a review petition with the PMDC. The regulator’s decision is therefore subject to the outcome of that review process.
What Happened to Student Fariha Ibrahim?
Fariha Ibrahim, a 22-year-old final-year student originally from Kashmir, died in February after reportedly jumping from the third floor of her university hostel in Lahore.
She suffered critical head injuries and was taken to hospital, where she died from excessive blood loss, according to police.
At the time, final-year examinations were underway. Ibrahim had completed one paper, while another examination was scheduled for February 19.
Police said preliminary findings indicated that she had reportedly experienced severe depression for around six months. However, investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding her death.
Authorities also constituted a medical board to examine the case and help establish the relevant facts.
Investigation and Questions About Student Welfare
The incident prompted scrutiny of the university’s responsibility for student safety and welfare. The PMDC’s disciplinary action has placed particular emphasis on supervision, mental health support and prevention measures.
The regulator’s directions seek to ensure that universities maintain systems for identifying student concerns and providing appropriate assistance. Regular health checks, counselling and mentorship are among the measures highlighted in the decision.
Meanwhile, FJMU’s review petition means the university is formally contesting the Rs20 million fine. The available information does not establish the outcome of that challenge.
The case has renewed attention on the support systems universities provide to students living in hostels. The PMDC’s decision stresses that student welfare requires effective supervision, accessible counselling and clear accountability mechanisms.
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