A suspect allegedly linked to the case involving International Islamic University Islamabad graduate Laiba Ijaz has been taken into custody from Islamabad’s H-13 sector, as investigators continue examining allegations of fake university admission documents, online fraud, and blackmail. According to sources, the suspect was located from a rented room in the area where he had reportedly been staying away from public attention. Investigators have also found material from his mobile phone that indicates possible involvement in online fraud and the alleged blackmailing of women. The case gained attention after Laiba reportedly died by suicide following the discovery that documents provided by an agent for admission to a US university were allegedly fraudulent. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the complete circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all relevant facts.
Sources said the suspect had previously worked with the Anti Corruption Establishment in Quetta before being suspended and had also been associated with a company in Islamabad. Laiba’s body was reportedly found hanging by the roadside in Islamabad’s G 10 sector, within the jurisdiction of Ramna police station. According to police officials, the student had been under severe distress after learning that the admission documents arranged by an agent were not authentic. Laiba’s family stated that she had completed her BS degree from International Islamic University Islamabad with a gold medal and had planned to continue her education abroad. The family alleged that an immigration consultant had demanded Rs7 million for arranging admission to a US university. They said Laiba’s father, who supported his family by selling milk on a motorcycle while living in a rented flat, sold a plot and paid Rs2.1 million in cash to the agent. They further stated that Laiba’s mother’s jewellery was deposited with a bank to arrange the remaining amount.
The family said Laiba discovered the documents were fake when she had the admission papers verified. According to her relatives, she later sent a final message to her maternal uncle requesting that her father not be informed about the alleged fraud because of concerns about his reaction. Police officials stated that the case was being investigated from multiple perspectives and that further findings would depend on evidence collection, including forensic information and medical reports. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also took notice of the incident and described it as tragic, according to the PM Office. He directed the Islamabad inspector general of police and chief commissioner to take immediate action regarding the suspect accused in the case and stated that legal proceedings would follow according to applicable laws.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also took notice of the matter and directed Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to initiate action. He stated that the ministry had instructed authorities to investigate the allegations and take steps against those found responsible. FIA Director General was overseeing developments, while FIA officials also met Laiba’s parents as part of the inquiry process. FIA Director Shehzad Nadeem Bukhari confirmed that the agency had started an initial investigation into the matter, describing the case as serious. He stated that a formal case would be registered after completion of the initial inquiry. According to FIA officials, the suspect allegedly obtained Rs7.2 million from Laiba on the promise of arranging admission to a foreign university and also received Rs500,000 from her brother by claiming he could arrange employment. Investigators said the suspect allegedly presented himself as an employee of the Supreme Court or a government institution to gain trust. Bukhari further stated that Laiba had planned to share news of her admission to Harvard University with her family on October 12, but discovered two days earlier that the university registration certificate she received was allegedly fake. FIA has confirmed that the investigation remains underway and further action will depend on the findings collected by investigators.
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