A 22-year-old student of Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU), identified as Fareeha (also reported as Fariha), died on Tuesday night, February 17, 2026, after falling from the roof of a hostel building in Lahore.
The incident has sparked an investigation into whether the fall was accidental or a suicide attempt, as well as a broader conversation regarding student mental health in high-pressure academic environments.
Incident Details
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The Victim: Fareeha was a final-year medical student originally from Kashmir. She had recently completed one of her professional examination papers and was reportedly preparing for the next.
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The Event: At approximately 7:55 PM, emergency services were notified that a student had fallen from the third (or fourth) floor of the hostel.
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Medical Response: She was rushed to the emergency department of the affiliated Sir Ganga Ram Hospital with critical head and neck trauma. Despite undergoing major neurosurgery, she succumbed to her injuries during the early hours of Wednesday.
Inquiry and Investigations
Following the incident, the university administration and law enforcement have taken several steps:
| Measure | Details |
| Fact-Finding Committee | A five-member panel headed by Dean Undergraduate Studies Prof. Bilquis Shabbir has been tasked with submitting a report within 24 hours. |
| Medical Board | VC Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal has formed a medical board to review the clinical aspects of the case. |
| Police Investigation | Evidence has been collected from the scene; investigators are reviewing the student’s phone records and speaking with hostel residents. |
| Suspension of Classes | Educational activities at the college were temporarily suspended on Wednesday in view of potential student protests. |
Mental Health Concerns
Initial police findings and statements from college sources suggest that Fareeha may have been battling severe depression for several months.
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Academic Pressure: As a final-year student in the middle of exams, the “high-stakes” nature of her studies is being looked at as a contributing factor.
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Recent Relocation: Reports indicate her father’s recent retirement and her relocation might have added to her emotional strain.
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Pattern of Incidents: This is the third such tragedy involving university students in Lahore within a short period, including a similar recent case at a private university in Raiwind, raising serious concerns about the lack of mental health support for medical professionals in training.
فاطمہ جناح میڈیکل کالج لاہور کی ایم بی بی ایس کلاسز ایک ہفتے کے لیے معطل
مزید پڑھیں : https://t.co/RLiGydVnIB#ARYNewsUrdu pic.twitter.com/XtAUNJOU8G
— ARY News Urdu (@arynewsud) February 18, 2026
Mental Health Support Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with academic pressure or mental health issues in Pakistan, please reach out to:
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Umang (24/7 Helpline): 0311-7786264
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Taskeen Health Initiative: 0316-8275336
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The British Council’s “Safe Spaces” program for university students.
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