Laiba Case: Postmortem report received; FIA busts fake agency officer network

Significant developments have emerged in two high-profile cases in the Hazara region, with investigators receiving the postmortem report

ISLAMABAD: Significant developments have emerged in two high-profile cases in the Hazara region, with investigators receiving the postmortem report in the Laiba Ijaz case and uncovering further details about an alleged fraud network involving individuals posing as officials of a sensitive government agency.

LAIBA IJAZ CASE: POSTMORTEM REPORT RECEIVED

The postmortem report in the Laiba Ijaz case has been received by the investigating authorities. According to the initial medical findings, the reported cause of death is hanging due to ligature.

However, investigators have referred the relevant samples to the Chemical Examiner Punjab and the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) laboratory in Lahore for further examination and a conclusive medical opinion.

The forensic analysis is expected to include toxicology testing, ligature-related examination and viscera analysis. The results are considered important for establishing further details surrounding the circumstances of Laiba’s death and assisting investigators in determining the course of the inquiry.

Officials are continuing to examine the case from different angles, with the final conclusion dependent on the findings of the chemical and forensic examinations. The initial postmortem findings alone have not been presented as the final determination of all circumstances surrounding the death.

The development follows the postmortem examination conducted a day earlier, during which samples were reportedly preserved for laboratory testing. The report has now been received, while the samples have been forwarded for further analysis. The final forensic opinion is awaited.

Laiba’s family has called for a transparent investigation into the case. Authorities have maintained that the investigation will proceed on merit and that the findings of the relevant medical and forensic examinations will be considered before reaching a final conclusion.

MANSEHRA: ALLEGED FAKE SENSITIVE AGENCY OFFICER NETWORK EXPOSED

In a separate development, the investigation into an alleged fraud network in Mansehra has reportedly revealed the involvement of another suspect, Waqas, brother of the main accused, Noman.

Noman is accused of impersonating an assistant director of a sensitive government agency to deceive people and obtain money through fraudulent promises. According to the information provided about the investigation, his brother allegedly used a similar identity to present himself as an employee of the same institution.

The suspects allegedly used fake identification cards, a purported office and the name of the institution to gain victims’ trust. They reportedly promised assistance with government jobs, transfers and the settlement of cases in exchange for money, targeting people in Mansehra and adjoining areas.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested Noman following a complaint from a victim. During the subsequent investigation, further allegations emerged regarding Waqas’s suspected involvement and the possible presence of additional accomplices.

The FIA has reportedly constituted special teams to conduct raids at different locations to apprehend the remaining suspects. Investigators are also tracing bank accounts and properties as part of efforts to identify the alleged proceeds of fraud and facilitate the recovery of money.

Authorities are seeking information about other individuals who may have been affected by the alleged network. Victims have been urged to approach the FIA and submit their complaints to assist the investigation and support possible recovery efforts.

Noman is reportedly being interrogated while investigators pursue other suspects, including Waqas. Further arrests and recoveries may follow as the investigation progresses.

Both cases remain under investigation, with the final forensic opinion awaited in the Laiba Ijaz case and further legal action expected in the alleged impersonation and fraud case.