The death of Laiba Ijaz, a gold medalist graduate of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), has sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny of fraudulent overseas education consultants after her family alleged that they lost millions of rupees to a man promising admission to Harvard University and a United States visa.
Laiba was found dead in Islamabad on October 9, after reportedly discovering that documents supplied by the alleged agent were fraudulent. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death alongside allegations of financial fraud. According to reports, the family paid substantial sums to the suspect, identified as Muhammad Noman, who allegedly promised to secure Laiba’s admission and scholarship at the prestigious American university. The total amount cited in reports varies, with some accounts placing the alleged financial loss at Rs9.3 million. The amount and the circumstances of the transactions remain under investigation.
The family reportedly made significant financial sacrifices to finance Laiba’s educational ambitions, including selling a plot of land and pledging her mother’s jewellery. Her father, who earns a living selling milk, had worked to support his children’s education. The alleged fraud came to light when Laiba sought to verify the admission and visa documents. According to investigators and media reports, the documents were found to be fake, leaving the family facing both financial devastation and the collapse of her plans for further studies in the United States.
Islamabad police arrested the main suspect, while a female alleged accomplice was also named in reports concerning the case. On October 12, a judicial magistrate granted police five days of physical remand of Noman for further investigation. Authorities are examining the documents and financial transactions linked to the allegations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also took notice of the case and directed authorities to pursue action against those responsible. The FIA has initiated an investigation into the alleged fraud.
Laiba’s death has highlighted the risks faced by students seeking international education through private consultants who promise guaranteed admission, scholarships or visas. Education experts and officials have repeatedly urged applicants to verify offers directly with universities and confirm the credentials before transferring money. The case raises serious questions about oversight of education consultancies, the verification of overseas admission documents and safeguards against financial exploitation.