Suspects Arrested in Laiba Ijaz Rs9.3 Million Scholarship Fraud Case
Islamabad police and the Federal Investigation Agency have arrested suspects in the alleged Rs9.3 million Harvard scholarship fraud linked to the death of IIUI gold medallist Laiba Ijaz.
The principal accused, Muhammad Nauman, was arrested from Islamabad’s H-13 area, where he had allegedly been hiding in a rented space. Police also detained female suspects, including Fatima Sarwar and Aiza, in connection with the case.
The alleged fraud
The FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle registered a criminal case on October 10 against Nauman and Fatima Sarwar under Sections 419, 420 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code and provisions of the Emigration Ordinance 1979.
According to the FIR, the suspects allegedly collected Rs9.3 million from Laiba’s family on the pretext of arranging a US visa, university admission and scholarship. Rs2.9 million was transferred through Laiba’s bank account; the rest was allegedly paid in cash.
Investigators say the suspects supplied forged admission letters, scholarship documents and fee payment receipts to convince the family the process was genuine. Nauman allegedly posed as a government official — some reports say he claimed to be a high-ranking judicial official — to win the family’s trust.
Police sources said evidence found on Nauman’s mobile phone pointed to alleged online fraud and the blackmailing of women. Investigators are examining whether more people were involved.
A family ruined
Laiba, a 22-year-old physics gold medallist from the International Islamic University Islamabad, wanted to pursue higher education in the United States. Her father, who earns a living selling milk, sold the family’s only plot of land, and her mother mortgaged her gold jewellery to raise the money.
The family grew suspicious when Laiba had the documents verified and discovered they were fake. Her body was found in Islamabad’s G-10 sector on October 9.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of her death, ordered a thorough investigation and directed Islamabad police to arrest those responsible. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry visited the bereaved family.
FIA Director General Usman Anwar characterised the case as an impersonation scam rather than a conventional education consultancy fraud, saying the alleged female accomplice had falsely presented herself as Nauman’s contact in the United States. Investigators say they are examining whether more people were involved.
The suspects’ arrests do not establish guilt. The allegations must be tested through the courts, and the accused are entitled to due process.
Related:
- Laiba Ijaz: Gold Medallist’s Death Draws PM’s Notice
Frequently asked questions
Who has been arrested in the Laiba Ijaz case?
Muhammad Nauman, the alleged principal accused, was arrested from Islamabad’s H-13 area. Female suspects Fatima Sarwar and Aiza were also detained.
How much money was allegedly taken?
Rs9.3 million — Rs2.9 million through Laiba’s bank account and the rest in cash, according to the FIR.
What are the charges?
Sections 419, 420 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code and provisions of the Emigration Ordinance 1979.
How can families avoid such scams?
Verify admission letters and scholarship offers directly with the university’s official admissions office, never through an agent’s documents alone, and use traceable payment channels.
