The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has imposed a fine of Rs20 million on Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU), Lahore, following the death of a 22-year-old final-year MBBS student at the university’s girls’ hostel in February 2026. The decision was approved by the PMDC Council on the recommendation of its Disciplinary Committee and formally communicated to the university administration on October 16, 2026.
The student, Fareeha Ibrahim, belonged to Azad Kashmir and died after falling from the third floor of the girls’ hostel. According to police and university officials, the incident occurred at approximately 7:15pm. She sustained critical head injuries and was taken to a hospital, where she died due to excessive blood loss. At the time, she was appearing in her final-year MBBS examinations and preparing for another paper scheduled for February 19.
The incident prompted investigations by relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding her death. Preliminary police findings reportedly indicated that the student had been experiencing severe depression for around six months. A medical board and a fact-finding committee were constituted to examine the matter. The case also raised concerns about student supervision, mental health support and welfare arrangements in university hostels.
Alongside the financial penalty, the PMDC directed Fatima Jinnah Medical University to strengthen its student safety and support systems. The directives include improved supervision and monitoring, regular physical and mental health assessments, structured mentorship programmes, harassment prevention measures and accessible counselling facilities, particularly for female students. The council also called for an effective accountability mechanism to ensure that institutional responsibilities concerning student welfare are fulfilled.
Before issuing its decision, the PMDC had sought a detailed response and an inquiry report from the university administration. Following the penalty, FJMU filed a review petition challenging the Rs20 million fine and other observations made by the council. The final outcome of the review petition has not been provided in the available information.
The case has brought renewed attention to the responsibilities of educational institutions in providing safe residential facilities and appropriate support for students facing academic or personal difficulties. The PMDC’s directives emphasize the importance of effective supervision, accessible counselling, health assessments and clear accountability procedures. Further developments will depend on the review process and any subsequent decisions by the relevant authorities.
PMDC Fines Fatima Jinnah Medical University Rs20 Million After Student’s Hostel Death
