When a dream into a nightmare

I often avoid writing about cases involving suicide. When the media takes up a suicide case, it in fact triggers suicide elements in vulnerable people. These are painful subjects, and I believe they must be handled with care. Behind every such death is a human being, a family and a story that may never be fully understood. I do not want to turn someone’s tragedy into a headline or make claims about what led to a person’s final decision.

Yet, the death of Laiba Ejaz, a 24-year-old woman from Islamabad who reportedly died by suicide, is difficult to ignore. Her story raises serious questions about visa fraud, the exploitation of young people and the price families are willing to pay for their children’s dreams.

I live in London, and I often meet people who want to visit Britain, study here or build a better future abroad. Some approach me for advice. They ask about universities, visas, admission requirements and the right way to begin the process. Their questions are usually simple, but the hopes behind them are enormous.

For many families in Pakistan, studying abroad is more than an educational choice. It is a dream of a better life. Parents save money for years, sell valuable possessions and make sacrifices they would never make for themselves. They believe education can open doors that have remained closed to their children.

That is why Laiba’s story hurts.

According to reports, Laiba had completed her bachelor’s degree at the International Islamic University in Islamabad and had received an offer of a scholarship to study in Saudi Arabia. Her family says she later came into contact with a man who allegedly promised to arrange admission to a university in the United States.

The family alleges that large sums of money were paid for admission and visa arrangements. The Federal Investigation Agency has said that preliminary findings suggest the family was defrauded of Rs9.3 million. Investigators say fake scholarship letters, university admission documents and fee receipts were allegedly used to deceive them.

When the documents were checked, they reportedly turned out to be fake.

Imagine the shock of discovering that a future you have spent months preparing for may never have existed. Imagine the parents who sold a plot intended for their home because they wanted their daughter to receive a good education. Imagine the fear of telling them that their money and trust may have been taken away.

Laiba’s family says she was deeply distressed. We must be careful not to reduce a death to a single cause, because the full circumstances can only be established through a proper investigation. But the reported fraud makes one thing clear: exploiting a person’s hopes can have devastating consequences.

The police have reportedly arrested a suspect, and the investigation is continuing. The authorities must establish the facts, identify everyone involved and ensure that those found guilty face the law. Recovering the family’s money should also be a priority.

But this case demands more than one arrest.

People seeking education abroad need reliable information about admission and visa procedures. Universities, relevant government departments and law enforcement agencies should help the public identify fraudulent agents and report suspicious offers. Claims of guaranteed visas, false professional identities and pressure to pay large sums deserve careful scrutiny.

I often tell people who approach me in London to verify every document, contact the university directly and use official visa information. No agent should be trusted simply because they sound confident or claim to have influential connections.

There is also a wider lesson for our society. We must make it easier for young people to seek help when they face financial loss, shame or fear. A failed application or a stolen dream should never become a reason to suffer in silence. Families and institutions need to respond with understanding rather than blame.