PMDC imposes Rs 20 million fine on Fatima Jinnah Medical University over student’s hostel death

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has imposed a fine of Rs20 million on Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU), Lahore,

LAHORE: 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 penalty was approved by the PMDC Council on the recommendation of its Disciplinary Committee after examining the circumstances surrounding the death of Fareeha Ibrahim, a student belonging to Azad Kashmir. The decision was formally communicated to the university administration on October 16, 2026.

The council held the university responsible for ensuring appropriate arrangements for the safety, supervision and overall welfare of its students, highlighting the need for stronger institutional mechanisms to protect students residing in university hostels.

Student’s Death at Hostel

Fareeha Ibrahim died after falling from the third floor of the FJMU girls’ hostel in February 2026. According to police and university officials, the incident occurred at approximately 7:15 pm.

The student sustained critical head injuries in the fall and was subsequently shifted to a hospital, where she died due to excessive blood loss.

At the time of the incident, Fareeha was appearing in her final-year MBBS examinations. She had completed one examination paper and was preparing for another scheduled for February 19.

The incident prompted concern within the university community and led to investigations by the relevant authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

Preliminary police findings suggested that the student had reportedly been experiencing severe depression for approximately six months before the incident. However, a medical board was constituted to examine the matter, while a fact-finding committee was also established to investigate the circumstances.

The incident raised questions regarding the availability of mental health support, student supervision and appropriate welfare facilities for students living in university accommodation.

PMDC Directs University to Strengthen Safeguards

In addition to imposing the financial penalty, the PMDC issued several directives aimed at improving student safety and strengthening the university’s support systems.

The council instructed FJMU to enhance its student supervision and monitoring arrangements to ensure that students receive appropriate attention and assistance when required.

The university was also directed to arrange regular physical and mental health assessments for students, enabling the timely identification of health-related concerns and access to appropriate support.

Furthermore, the PMDC called for the introduction of structured mentorship programmes, harassment prevention measures and counselling facilities, particularly for female students.

The council also stressed the importance of establishing an effective accountability mechanism to ensure that institutional responsibilities concerning student welfare are properly fulfilled.

These measures are intended to improve the university’s capacity to identify students requiring assistance and provide them with appropriate support through established institutional procedures.

University Challenges Penalty

Before taking the decision, the PMDC had sought a detailed response and an inquiry report from the university administration regarding the circumstances of Fareeha Ibrahim’s death.

Following the imposition of the Rs20 million fine, Fatima Jinnah Medical University filed a review petition challenging the penalty as well as other observations made by the council.

The review petition places the matter under further consideration, although the final outcome of the university’s challenge has not been provided in the available information.

The case has drawn attention to the responsibilities of medical universities in ensuring safe residential facilities and providing adequate physical and psychological support to students facing academic and personal difficulties.

The PMDC’s directives also underline the importance of effective monitoring, accessible counselling services and clear accountability procedures within educational institutions.

The outcome of the review petition will determine the next steps concerning the financial penalty and the council’s observations against the university.