PMDC orders inquiry after FJMU student’s alleged suicide in Lahore

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), in response to an alleged suicide at FJMU’s medical school, ordered the institution for a comprehensive report detailing the incident. The university was directed to establish an inquiry committee and provide details on preventive measures for student safety.

In an official letter addressed to FJMU’s principal, PMDC registrar emphasized that the matter is of utmost seriousness, impacting not only the immediate community but also the broader student population.

The council demanded information regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident, the composition and mandates of any established inquiry or fact-finding committee, preliminary findings, and the expected timeframe for completion of the investigation.

Additionally, the PMDC sought specifics on measures being taken to improve hostel safety and bolster mental health support services. The council stressed the importance of effective student support systems, particularly in medical and dental colleges, and recommended appointing qualified counselors and psychologists for timely guidance and assistance when needed.

This development comes amid rising concerns over similar incidents occurring at universities in Lahore, highlighting the significance of proactive mental health care within educational institutions.

The university has now postponed scheduled examinations due to a fatal incident. Undergraduate classes of FJMC’s MBBS program will be suspended from February 18th to 24th, 2026. The postponement is in response to the death of a student who reportedly jumped from the fourth floor of the university hostel.

Furthermore, all examinations at FJMU have been postponed due to this tragic event, and new dates will be announced later.

This underscores the critical need for robust mental health support services in universities, especially for students studying healthcare professions like medicine. The incident serves as a stark reminder that proactive measures are essential to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.