MIRPURKHAS: A pharmacy lecturer has been taken into custody over his alleged involvement in the harassment and death of a female medical student in Mirpurkhas, sparking outrage and protests in the area.
The victim, Fehmida Leghari, a third-year medical student, reportedly died after shooting herself at her home in Satellite Town earlier this week. A post-mortem examination confirmed a gunshot wound to the chest, which fatally damaged her heart.
Family members told police that she had repeatedly complained about harassment by certain professors and fellow students at her college. Acting on a complaint filed by her uncle, authorities registered an FIR naming five individuals including the college principal, his wife (also a professor), the arrested lecturer, and two students on charges of harassment and abetment to suicide.
Police said the principal and his wife secured pre-arrest bail for 13 days, while two suspects remain at large.
The case triggered strong public reaction, with the victim’s family and supporters staging a prolonged sit-in at a toll plaza, demanding immediate arrests. The protest caused major traffic disruptions and continued for over 12 hours before being called off following the lecturer’s arrest.
Investigations revealed that the arrested lecturer, identified as Abid Leghari, was simultaneously employed as a government primary school teacher in Tando Allah Yar while teaching at the private medical college.
In response, Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah suspended the accused and issued a show-cause notice, stating that individuals involved in criminal activities have no place in the education sector.
Authorities have launched multiple inquiries into the incident. A committee formed under police supervision has been tasked with submitting its findings within 10 days. Separately, the provincial women’s development department has also initiated its own probe.
Senior police officials say all angles, including the alleged harassment claims, are being thoroughly examined. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has taken notice, demanding records from the college and reiterating its strict stance against harassment in educational institutions.
