Lahore police have expanded their investigation into the suicide attempt of a female student at the University of Lahore, amid concerns of academic and family pressure. The incident occurred on Monday when 21-year-old Fatima, a D. Pharmacy student, jumped from the second floor of the university building, sustaining serious injuries to her legs, spine, and lungs.
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Following the incident, the university formed a high-level inquiry committee comprising senior faculty and management officials to investigate the circumstances leading to the attempt. Initial police findings suggest that Fatima was under pressure from her family to continue studies in D. Pharmacy, a subject she reportedly struggled with. The student had a heated argument with her family over the issue on Saturday.
Police are reviewing CCTV footage from inside and around the university to reconstruct the sequence of events. Investigators revealed that Fatima remained on a phone call for 27 minutes before the incident and had deleted her last call record. She reportedly did not attend her morning class and was distressed after receiving 18 marks out of 35 on a test, which she had discussed with her father and brother.
The student remains under treatment at Lahore General Hospital (LGH), where a special medical board of neurosurgery, orthopaedics, surgery, pulmonology, and gynaecology specialists is overseeing her care. Doctors reported that she lost significant blood but has been stabilised and is showing signs of improvement, though the next 48 hours are considered critical.
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Higher Education Department Secretary Ghulam Farid Kathia visited LGH to check on her condition, while police have noted that legal action may be taken against the university administration if any negligence is found.
Further progress in the case depends on recording the student’s statement once her health permits. Investigators are also looking into a previous similar incident involving a male student, suggesting a broader review of student welfare at the institution.