LAHORE: A female student at the University of Lahore was seriously injured on Monday after she reportedly jumped from the fourth floor of a campus building, marking the second such incident at the university within less than two weeks, officials said.
The student was identified as 21 year old Fatima, a Doctor of Pharmacy student. Early reports suggested she jumped from the same location where another D Pharmacy student, Muhammad Owais, had previously fallen to his death.
University and hospital sources confirmed that Fatima survived the fall but sustained life threatening injuries. She was initially taken to the university’s teaching hospital for emergency care and was later shifted to a private hospital on Defence Road due to the seriousness of her condition.
Hospital officials said she remains in critical condition and is on a ventilator. She has suffered fractures to her arms, legs, and ribs, along with severe head injuries. Doctors are carrying out CT scans and other medical tests to assess internal injuries. Once her condition improves, she will be moved to the Punjab Institute of Neurology for further treatment.
The hospital administration said senior doctors from different departments are overseeing her treatment and that every possible effort is being made, though her condition is still serious.
Nawab Town police arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and began an investigation. “Initial investigation is under way to determine the reasons behind the incident,” a police official said.
After the incident, the university suspended all on-campus academic activities indefinitely, citing safety concerns. In an official notice, the administration announced that physical classes had been cancelled and teaching would continue online from Monday. All entry and exit points were sealed as panic spread among students.
University of Lahore Registrar Ali Aslam said the injured student’s condition had stabilised and she was no longer in immediate danger. “The student was admitted to the university in September,” he said.
Referring to an earlier case involving student Awais Sultan, Aslam said an inquiry committee had been formed and had completed its investigation. He added that Awais had full attendance and a CGPA of 3.14 during his time at the university.
Responding to speculation about Fatima’s academic record, Aslam said no conclusions should be drawn at this stage. “The facts will become clear once the inquiry is concluded,” he said.
He also explained the university’s scholarship policy, saying financial aid is granted at the time of admission and continues based on a student’s performance in the first semester.
The incident has once again raised concerns about student safety, mental health, and the responsibility of educational institutions, especially as both recent cases involved students from the D Pharmacy department.
Students voiced fear and frustration over the repeated incidents and called for an independent inquiry. Many demanded improved mental health services, proper counselling, and stronger preventive steps on campus.
The university administration has not yet released a detailed public statement on the causes of the incidents but said it is cooperating with authorities and giving priority to student safety. Police are also examining whether negligence, academic pressure or other factors played a role.
Mental health professionals say repeated incidents of this nature highlight the urgent need for strong psychological support systems in educational institutions, including early identification of distress and easy access to counselling services.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to:
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