Laiba Ijaz Harvard fraud case: FIA reportedly arrests main suspect and female accomplice in Islamabad

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has reportedly arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged Rs9.3 million

ISLAMABAD : The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has reportedly arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged Rs9.3 million Harvard scholarship fraud case involving Laiba Ijaz, a 24-year-old gold medallist from the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) who was found dead in the capital on October 9.

According to the details provided, the arrests mark a significant development in the investigation into allegations that Laiba and her family were deceived through promises of admission to Harvard University and a scholarship abroad.

Two suspects taken into custody

The principal suspect, identified as Muhammad Noman, was reportedly arrested from a location in Islamabad’s H-13 and Golra Mor area. Investigators allege that he posed as a government official and persuaded Laiba to believe that her admission and scholarship arrangements were genuine.

A female suspect, identified as Fatima Sarwar, was also reportedly arrested. She is alleged to have acted as an overseas education consultant and supplied documents presented as official admission and scholarship offers. Two other women have reportedly been detained for questioning as investigators examine the suspected network.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and the suspects’ positions and responses to the accusations were not included in the information provided.

Family allegedly paid Rs9.3 million

Laiba, who reportedly held a gold medal in BS Physics from IIUI, was allegedly persuaded to pay a total of Rs9.3 million in connection with the promised Harvard opportunity.

According to the account, approximately Rs2.9 million was transferred through a bank, while the remaining amount was paid in cash. Her family reportedly sold property and jewellery to arrange the money, believing that the payment would secure her educational future.

The family later allegedly discovered that the admission and scholarship documents were fake. The circumstances surrounding the financial transactions and the authenticity of the documents are now central to the investigation.

Laiba was found dead in Islamabad’s G-10 sector on October 9. Authorities will need to establish the circumstances of her death through the relevant investigation. Any connection between the alleged fraud and her death should be reported only on the basis of confirmed investigative findings.

Investigators examine possible wider fraud network

The supplied account states that forensic examination of a suspect’s mobile phone revealed information that investigators are examining for possible links to other cases involving alleged online fraud and blackmail.

The suspected victims were reportedly approached through promises of foreign university admissions, scholarships and visa assistance. Investigators are expected to examine digital communications, financial records and the authenticity of documents to determine whether additional individuals were involved.

The FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle has reportedly registered a case and is continuing its investigation. The precise offences and charges should be confirmed from the official case record.

Interior minister calls case a test

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reportedly visited Laiba’s bereaved family and described the case as a test for law-enforcement agencies. He also assured the family that efforts would be made to recover the money allegedly taken from them and pursue legal action against those found responsible.

The investigation will now focus on establishing the alleged fraud, tracing the money and determining whether other victims were targeted.

The case has highlighted the importance of verifying overseas admission offers, scholarship documents and education consultants before making substantial payments. Families are advised to confirm offers directly with universities and use official payment channels.