PM orders immediate arrest in Laiba Ijaz education scam case

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the death of Laiba Ijaz, a talented student at the International Islamic University Islamabad, who was found dead in the capital on Friday after her family allegedly lost millions of rupees in an education fraud.

The prime minister directed the Islamabad inspector general of police and the chief commissioner to ensure the immediate arrest of the consultant accused of defrauding the student. He described the incident as deeply regrettable and called for exemplary punishment for the suspect in accordance with the law.

According to Laiba’s family, they paid around Rs7 million to the suspect, who allegedly promised to secure her admission and a scholarship at a university in the United States. The family claimed that he provided a forged scholarship letter purportedly linked to Harvard University and presented himself as her sponsor.

The family further alleged that the suspect used different identities to gain their trust. At various times, he reportedly claimed to be an accounts officer at the Islamabad High Court, an employee of the superior judiciary or an official of a sensitive institution.

The allegations also include a separate payment of Rs500,000. The family claimed that the suspect took the money after promising to arrange a government job for Laiba’s brother.

Laiba had reportedly performed well in her bachelor’s degree, and the International Islamic University had offered her a scholarship to study in Saudi Arabia. Her brother-in-law said the suspect later persuaded her that he could arrange an opportunity for her in the United States.

The family said their communication with the suspect took place through WhatsApp. They also alleged that a woman was involved in the scheme and had been introduced to Laiba as an employee of the suspect’s company based in the United States.

The Federal Investigation Agency has been approached by the family to pursue legal action. Investigators have obtained details of the alleged fraud and documents reportedly provided to the student.

Laiba’s funeral prayers were held on Saturday. Residents mourned her death and remembered her as a hardworking, intelligent and promising student.

The case has raised serious concerns about alleged education and scholarship fraud, particularly schemes that exploit students and families seeking opportunities to study abroad. The allegations against the consultant remain subject to investigation.