IIUI gold medalist Laiba Ejaz case highlights alleged overseas education fraud

The death of 24-year-old Laiba Ejaz, a gold medalist in BS Physics from the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) has drawn attention to alleged education consultancy fraud and weaknesses in the verification of overseas university admissions.

ISLAMABAD, October 11, 2026: The death of 24-year-old Laiba Ejaz, a gold medalist in BS Physics from the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) has drawn attention to alleged education consultancy fraud and weaknesses in the verification of overseas university admissions.

According to the account provided Laiba’s family allegedly lost Rs9.3 million after being promised a US visa and a scholarship at Harvard University. The incident has shone a spotlight on the risks faced by students and families when looking for opportunities for international education through private agents.

The supplied report identifies Muhammad Noman and an alleged associate Fatima Sarwar as suspects in the case. It cites an FIA case registered on October 10, 2026 by the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Islamabad.

According to the report, Rs2.9 million was transferred through Laiba’s bank account while the remaining amount was allegedly paid in cash. The family reportedly sold a plot and mortgaged jewellery to finance the promised opportunity.

Investigators allegedly found fabricated scholarship letters admission offers and fee receipts. The report also claims that visa interview appointments were arranged and then cancelled shortly before the scheduled dates.

The FIA reportedly stated that Noman was not a registered education consultant and had allegedly misrepresented himself as an accounts officer associated with the superior judiciary.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly directed Islamabad’s senior administration and police leadership to ensure the accused were arrested and that the case proceeded according to law.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also visited the bereaved family and pledged to pursue the investigation. According to the supplied report, the main suspect was arrested in Islamabad, while efforts to apprehend the alleged associate were continuing.

The report states that the investigation was assigned to Sub-Inspector Zubair Kamal. These details have not been independently verified for this article.

The case highlights the necessity of verifying admission offers and scholarship documents from overseas universities with the concerned university itself. Students should refrain from making cash payments, utilize the official university payment channels and ensure the authenticity of education consultants before remitting money.

Moreover, regulators and law enforcement agencies can help reduce fraud by offering easy-to-use verification services, transparent consultant registration and swifter complaint resolution.

Laiba’s death has once again highlighted the financial and emotional costs of alleged education scams. A fair investigation to establish the facts and reinforcing the safeguards for the students will be necessary to prevent similar cases in the future.

The allegations are still under investigation and due process. We should not consider any assertion of guilt as a definitive judicial decision unless it is made by a court with appropriate jurisdiction.