Punjab School and Higher Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has constituted a high-powered inquiry committee to investigate the death of a private university student in Lahore, following protests by students across the city.
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The student, identified as Muhammad Awais Sultan, was a 22-year-old Pharm-D student who died on December 19 after jumping from the fourth floor of his university building. CCTV footage of the incident reportedly captured his final moments and later circulated widely, triggering outrage and grief among students and the public.
Taking notice of the protests, the minister announced the formation of the inquiry committee through a post on social media platform X. He said the committee had been tasked with probing the circumstances surrounding the incident and would submit its report within four days.
According to the minister, the committee comprises vice chancellors from both public and private sector universities to ensure neutrality and transparency. He added that although the university concerned and the Higher Education Department (HED) had already conducted two internal inquiries, a separate and independent investigation was necessary due to the seriousness of the case and public concern.
Students from various universities staged demonstrations, accusing the private university administration of mishandling the matter and demanding accountability. Protesters alleged that Awais was denied permission to sit in an examination due to an attendance shortfall, a decision they claim contributed to severe mental distress.
Family members and classmates of the deceased said Awais faced humiliation after being informed that low attendance in a single subject could jeopardise his entire semester, despite his tuition fee having been paid in full. They argued that rigid academic policies and a lack of student support mechanisms played a role in the tragedy.
The protests also expanded into broader demands for reforms in both public and private educational institutions, with students calling for clearer attendance policies, grievance redressal mechanisms, and better mental health support on campuses.
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Officials said the inquiry committee would examine institutional policies, administrative conduct, and any possible negligence, and would recommend action based on its findings.