Fariha Afrahim Death Case: Suicide, accident, or murder?

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: The tragic death of Fariha Afrahim, a student from Azad Kashmir enrolled in her final year of MBBS at Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) Lahore, has sparked widespread shock, confusion, and calls for a transparent investigation. Questions remain whether her death was accidental, suicide, or a possible homicide.

As per the reports, Fariha, originally from Sudhan Gali Malot in Azad Kashmir, was found after allegedly falling from the third floor of her hostel. Her father had recently retired and returned to Azad Kashmir, while her mother serves as a nurse. The family had invested their life savings to support Fariha’s dream of becoming a doctor.

Close friends and relatives expressed disbelief at the official narrative suggesting Fariha took her own life due to exam stress. She had spoken to her mother about her exams and meals only half an hour before the incident, raising doubts about claims of suicide.

Journalists at the scene reported that the initial media coverage suggested a suicide, but the family and local community were skeptical. Upon arrival at Ganga Ram Hospital, it was confirmed that Fariha had passed away. Authorities, including provincial health minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, were present to examine the case.

The university administration reportedly cited exam-related disappointment as the reason for her death, while also stating that the family had requested no legal proceedings against the university. However, the family has denied preventing any legal action and protested in Azad Kashmir, demanding a transparent investigation.

The circumstances surrounding the death have raised serious concerns: the post-mortem report has not yet been handed to the family, CCTV footage from the hostel has not been released, and eyewitness accounts from the day of the incident remain unrecorded. Questions persist about whether Fariha jumped, was pushed, or fell accidentally due to a lack of safety measures on the third floor. Critics argue that the university failed to provide protective railings or other safeguards in high-risk areas.

FJMU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Khalid Masood described Fariha as an intelligent and capable student who often helped her peers. Despite this, the administration’s response has been criticized as slow and opaque.

On February 21, the university announced the formation of a new nine-member committee, including experts from various fields, tasked with presenting initial findings within a week. Fariha’s family remains deeply distressed and has demanded that the investigation clarify whether her death was murder or an accident to prevent similar incidents in the future. The family has threatened further protests in Lahore if the post-mortem report and CCTV footage continue to be withheld.

The case continues to evoke outrage among students, parents, and the public, with demands for full transparency and accountability from both the university and law enforcement agencies.