Abdullah Mazhar death, AIMC protests enter second week

LAHORE: Protests at Allama Iqbal Medical College (AIMC), Lahore, have continued following the drowning death of third-year MBBS student Abdullah Mazhar in the college’s swimming pool on September 30, 2026, with students demanding accountability and an impartial investigation into the incident.

Abdullah Mazhar, 23, a student of Batch 28, Roll No. 25, belonged to Chishtian in Bahawalnagar district.

According to initial reports, the student drowned in the college swimming pool. Classmates have raised concerns about the pool’s reported depth of around 16 feet, inadequate lighting and the alleged absence of a trained lifeguard when the incident occurred. His body was shifted for a postmortem examination, while police initiated an investigation.

The college administration temporarily suspended MBBS classes following the tragedy.

Students’ Protest Enters Second Week

Students have been protesting on campus for more than a week, alleging administrative negligence and demanding accountability, improved safety arrangements and transparency in the investigation.

Protesters have alleged that Principal Prof. Dr. Tayyiba Wasim threatened students with expulsion instead of addressing their concerns. These allegations have not been independently verified.

A classmate of the deceased criticised the administration’s response, saying students should be allowed to raise their concerns and seek justice without intimidation.

Students also allege that no meaningful action has been taken against anyone so far and have questioned the handling of the investigation. They further claim that efforts were made to restrict media coverage of the protests.

The administration held a condolence reference and offered Fateha for the deceased approximately 11 days after the incident, according to information shared by the protesters.

Principal Granted Four-Day Leave for Dubai

Amid the continuing unrest, the Punjab government’s Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department has sanctioned four days of ex-Pakistan leave for AIMC Principal Prof. Dr. Tayyiba Wasim.

According to an official order, No. SO(AMI-I)2-43/2002, dated October 9, 2026, she has been permitted to travel to Dubai from October 15 to October 18 under the Revised Leave Rules, 1981. The order states that the leave will carry no financial liability for the provincial government.

During her absence, Prof. Dr. Farhat Naz, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (BS-20) at AIMC, will perform the routine duties of the principal.

The order is system-generated and can be verified through its QR code.

The approval of the leave comes as students continue their protests and call for the administration to address their concerns. However, the leave order itself does not establish any connection between the principal’s travel and the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

Investigation and Accountability Demands Continue

Police proceedings, postmortem findings and the official departmental inquiry remain pending, according to the information provided.

Students are demanding an impartial investigation into the circumstances of Abdullah’s death, clarification of the safety arrangements at the swimming pool and the fixing of responsibility wherever negligence is established.

The continuing protests under the banner #JusticeForAbdullahMazhar have kept the tragedy in the spotlight, with students seeking answers and assurances that measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.