The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has imposed a fine of Rs. 20 million on Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU), Lahore, following the death of a female student at the university’s hostel in February 2026.
The penalty was approved by the PMDC Council following a review by its Disciplinary Committee, which held the university responsible for ensuring students’ safety and welfare. The university had previously been asked to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Along with the financial penalty, the PMDC has directed FJMU to improve student supervision and strengthen measures for protecting students’ physical and mental health. The university has also been instructed to introduce mentorship programmes, counselling services and harassment-prevention measures for female students.
FJMU has challenged the decision by filing a review petition with the PMDC, seeking reconsideration of the Rs. 2 crore fine.
The incident occurred in February 2026, when a 22-year-old final-year student reportedly fell from the third floor of the university hostel in Lahore. She sustained critical head injuries and was taken to a hospital, where she died.
According to preliminary police findings, the student had reportedly been experiencing severe depression for around six months. Her final-year examinations were underway at the time, and she was preparing for an examination scheduled for February 19.
The student was originally from Kashmir and was living in Lahore with her father. Police launched an investigation into the incident and formed a medical board to examine the circumstances surrounding her death.
The PMDC’s action highlights the responsibility of medical universities to provide appropriate student supervision, mental health support and effective safety measures within their campuses and hostels.
