The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has imposed a Rs20 million penalty on Fatima Jinnah Medical University and ordered stronger student supervision, counselling and hostel safety measures following the February 2026 death.
LAHORE: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has imposed a Rs20 million fine on Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) in Lahore following the February 2026 death of a 22-year-old final-year MBBS student at the university’s girls’ hostel.
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, who belonged to Azad Kashmir. The decision was formally communicated to the university administration on Oct. 16, 2026.
The council held the university responsible for ensuring appropriate arrangements for student safety, supervision and welfare. It also issued directives aimed at strengthening safeguards for students living in university accommodation.
Circumstances Surrounding the Student’s Death
Fareeha died after falling from the third floor of the university’s girls’ hostel in February 2026. According to police and university officials, the incident occurred at approximately 7:15 p.m.
She sustained critical head injuries and was taken to a hospital, where she died from excessive blood loss.
At the time, Fareeha was appearing in her final-year MBBS examinations. She had completed one examination paper and was preparing for another scheduled for Feb. 19.
The incident prompted investigations by the relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.
Preliminary police findings suggested that the student had reportedly been experiencing severe depression for about six months before the incident. A medical board was constituted to examine the matter, while a fact-finding committee was also established to investigate the circumstances.
The case raised concerns about student supervision, access to mental health support and the welfare facilities available to students residing in university hostels.
PMDC Orders Safety and Mental Health Reforms
Alongside the financial penalty, the PMDC directed FJMU to strengthen its student supervision and monitoring arrangements to ensure that students receive appropriate attention and assistance when needed.
The council also instructed the university to arrange regular physical and mental health assessments. The measures are intended to help identify health-related concerns and facilitate access to appropriate support.
Other directives include establishing structured mentorship programmes, strengthening harassment prevention measures and providing counselling facilities, particularly for female students.
The PMDC further emphasized the need for an effective accountability mechanism to ensure that the university fulfills its responsibilities concerning student welfare.
The directives place particular emphasis on institutional procedures that can help identify students requiring assistance and connect them with appropriate support services.
Fatima Jinnah Medical University Challenges Fine
Before imposing the penalty, the PMDC had sought a detailed response and an inquiry report from the university administration regarding the circumstances of Fareeha’s death.
Following the decision, FJMU filed a review petition challenging the Rs20 million fine and other observations made by the council.
The university’s petition has placed the decision under further consideration. However, the available information does not specify when the review will be decided or what outcome the university is seeking beyond challenging the penalty and the council’s observations.
The case has brought renewed attention to the responsibilities of medical universities in providing safe residential facilities and adequate physical and psychological support for students facing academic or personal difficulties.
The outcome of the review petition will determine the next steps concerning the financial penalty and the PMDC’s findings.
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