A 21-year-old student at the University of Lahore is battling for her life after a devastating incident on Monday. Fatima, enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy programme, allegedly attempted suicide by jumping from the fourth floor of a campus building.
Critical Condition and Emergency Response
University officials confirmed the student survived the fall but sustained critical injuries. She was first rushed to the university's teaching hospital for emergency care. Due to the severity of her condition, she was later transferred to a private hospital on Defence Road.
Hospital sources report that Fatima is currently on a ventilator and remains in critical condition. Her injuries are extensive, including fractures to her arms, legs, and ribs, as well as serious head trauma. Doctors are conducting CT scans and other tests to evaluate potential internal damage.
Once she is stabilised, medical plans indicate she will be moved to the Punjab Institute of Neurology for specialised treatment. The hospital administration has assembled a team of senior doctors from multiple departments, stating all possible measures are being taken for her care.
A Chilling Pattern and Immediate Fallout
This tragic event marks the second such incident at the university in less than two weeks. Initial reports indicate Fatima jumped from the same location where another D-Pharmacy student, Muhammad Owais, jumped and died earlier this month.
In response, the university administration took the drastic step of indefinitely suspending all on-campus academic activities. A notification announced the cancellation of physical classes, with teaching shifting to online mode starting Monday. The university also sealed all entry and exit points as panic spread across the campus.
Nawab Town police have launched an investigation into the incident. "Initial investigation is under way to determine the reasons behind the incident," a police official stated. Authorities are examining potential factors including negligence, academic pressure, and other personal circumstances.
Mounting Anger and Calls for Systemic Change
The back-to-back incidents have sent shockwaves through the student community, renewing intense debate about student safety, mental health support, and institutional responsibility. The fact that both students were from the same D-Pharmacy department has raised particular alarm.
Students have expressed a mix of fear and anger, demanding an independent inquiry into the circumstances. There are loud calls for the university to establish better mental health support systems, including accessible and professional counselling services, and to implement stronger preventive measures on campus.
While the university administration has not issued a detailed public statement on the causes, it has stated it is cooperating with authorities and prioritising student safety. Mental health experts stress that these repeated incidents highlight an urgent need for robust psychological support systems in educational institutions. They emphasise early identification of distress and ensuring counselling is readily available and destigmatised.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help:
- Umang Pakistan - + (92) 0311 7786264 | EMAIL: hr@umang.com.pk | WEBSITE: www.umang.com.pk
- Taskeen Sehatmand Pakistan - +92 316 827 5336 | hello@taskeen.org
