Medical student allegedly commits suicide due to harassment
A third-year medical student reportedly took her own life on Thursday at her home in Mirpurkhas district by shooting herself with a gun. The deceased, 21-year-old Fahmeeda Laghari, was a student at Ibn-e-Sina University.
Family blames teacher and colleagues for harassment
Fahmeeda’s parents and sister held a press conference to express their grief over the loss of their daughter. They accused university officials of ignoring her complaints about harassment by a teacher and male colleagues at the institution.
Police form committee to investigate incident
The DIG Mirpurkhas, Capt (R) Faisal Abdullah Chachar, has formed a three-member committee led by SSP Syed Fida Hussain Shah to probe the matter. The team includes SP headquarters Mir Aftab Hussain Talpur and ASP Quratulain.
University principal receives verbal complaint
Chancellor Dr Syed Razi Muhammad told media that university’s principal had received a verbal complaint from Fahmeeda but instead of taking any action, asked her to submit a written complaint. He lamented the fact that complaints against lecturer Abid Lighari and student Abdullah did not reach his office.
Teacher suspended following investigation
The university has suspended the teacher as per notification issued by vice chancellor Dr Shamsul Arfeen Khan.
Government officials offer support for impartial investigation
Sindh culture minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah contacted the bereaved family and assured them of his help in conducting an impartial investigation. He also asked IG Sindh Javed Alam Odho and DIG Mirpurkhas to ensure that any person found involved in her suicide would be punished as per law.
Minister for Women Development takes notice
Sindh Minister for Women Development Shahina Sher Ali took serious note of the incident, asking department’s Deputy Director Tariq Waheed and Assistant Director Fozia Jamali to assist the family. She also asked the police to conduct a comprehensive investigation.