ISLAMABAD: A suspect has been detained in connection with a financial deception case tied to the recent death of a female university student in Islamabad, according to a senior Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) official speaking on Sunday.
Laiba Ijaz, an honors graduate of the International Islamic University Islamabad, was located deceased in the capital one day prior. Officials are probing her suspected suicide alongside accusations that the suspect, Muhammad Noman, collected Rs9.3 million ($33,600) from the family to secure her enrollment in the United States.
Late Saturday, the FIA announced it had finished its investigation and filed charges against Noman and Fatima Sarwar under various provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), alleging the pair deceived the student and her kin using fraudulent university admission records.
“Muhamamd Noman, the accused in Laiba case, has been arrested,” FIA Director-General Usman Anwar told Arab News on Sunday, offering no further details.
The agency stated on Saturday that the suspects had forged scholarship award letters, university admission offers, and fee payment receipts to defraud Ijaz.
It noted that Rs2.9 million ($10,400) was transferred through Ijaz’s bank account, with the balance handed over in cash.
“Tragically, Laiba Ijaz passed away as a result of this severe financial fraud and the accompanying mental anguish,” it added.
The statement was released as Interior Minister Naqvi labeled the matter a “test case” for authorities, situated within a broader crackdown on human smuggling, illegal migration, and visa fraud.
“This is a test case for us,” Naqvi told reporters during a visit to the bereaved family on Saturday night. “I can say that I will personally pursue their case.”
The minister’s visit came after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif intervened. His office issued a statement directing Islamabad’s inspector general of police and chief commissioner to take the suspect into custody immediately.
“The role of any other individuals involved in the case will be determined during the course of the inquiry,” FIA said on Saturday.
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