Islamabad, October 11,2026: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a suspect in a financial fraud case linked to the death of Laiba Ijaz, a gold medalist from the International Islamic University Islamabad, a senior agency official said on Sunday.
FIA Director-General Usman Anwar confirmed the arrest of Muhammad Noman, who is accused of defrauding Ijaz and her family of Rs9.3 million by allegedly promising to arrange her studies in the United States.
“Laiba case accused Muhammad Noman has been arrested,” Anwar told the media on Sunday, without providing further details.
Ijaz was found dead in Islamabad earlier this week. Authorities are investigating her suspected suicide alongside allegations that fraudulent university admission documents and scholarship claims were used to obtain money from her family.
The FIA said on Saturday that it had completed its initial inquiry and registered a case against Noman and another suspect, Fatima Sarwar, under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
According to the agency, the suspects allegedly fabricated scholarship award letters, university admission offers and fee payment receipts to deceive Ijaz and her family.
Of the Rs9.3 million allegedly obtained, Rs2.9 million was transferred through Ijaz’s bank account, while the remaining amount was paid in cash, the FIA said.
The agency said the case involved serious financial fraud and the mental distress reportedly suffered by the student. It added that the role of any other individuals involved would be determined during the investigation.
The arrest follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s intervention in the case. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif directed the Islamabad inspector general of police and chief commissioner to ensure the immediate arrest of the suspect.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also visited the bereaved family on Saturday night and pledged to pursue the case personally.
“This is a test case for us,” Naqvi told reporters, describing the matter as a priority for the authorities.
The case comes amid a broader government crackdown on human smuggling, illegal migration and visa fraud. The investigation is expected to establish how the alleged scheme operated and whether other individuals were involved.
