Court Grants Interim Bail to Co-Suspect in Laiba Ijaz Suicide Case
The Laiba Ijaz case took a new turn on Thursday. An Islamabad additional district and sessions court granted interim bail to the co-suspect in the student’s suicide case, extending the relief until October 20.
Nihar Muhammad, the co-suspect, pleaded not guilty during the proceedings. His counsel told the court his client was innocent and had been wrongfully implicated in the case. The lawyer urged Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka to grant interim bail, which the judge allowed against surety bonds worth Rs20,000.
The court issued notices to the parties and directed them to present their arguments at the next hearing.
Interim Bail, Not Acquittal
An interim bail is temporary protection from arrest while the court hears arguments. It is not an acquittal and it does not end the case. The relief lasts only until the next hearing, when the judge will decide whether to confirm the bail or cancel it.
The distinction matters because the prime suspect in the same case remains in custody. Muhammad Nauman, the main accused, was sent on five-day physical remand on Monday, October 12. Police are still building the case against him while the co-suspect argues for pre-arrest protection.
The Laiba Ijaz Case So Far
Laiba Ijaz had dreamed of studying at a top American university. On October 9, she was found hanging from a tree near a road in Islamabad. Her family says they lost around Rs7 million to a consultant who promised to secure her admission and a scholarship.
The Federal Investigation Agency registered a case against suspects Muhammad Nauman and Fatima Sarwar. The charges include cheating and abetment under Sections 419, 420 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code, read with Sections 18 and 22 of the Emigration Ordinance, 1979.
The case drew the government’s attention at the highest level. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the gold medallist’s death and directed the Islamabad police chief and the chief commissioner to act. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also vowed to look into the matter personally.
Our earlier reporting traced how the family was allegedly defrauded of the money meant for Laiba’s education. Police registered the case at Ramna Police Station in Islamabad.
What Happens Next
The next hearing will test the co-suspect’s claim of innocence. Prosecutors will present their arguments for custody, while the defence will push to have the interim bail confirmed. The court’s decision will shape how the rest of the case unfolds.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the prime suspect continues. With the FIA’s case built on allegations of forged documents and a fake scholarship trail, the hearings in the coming weeks will determine whether the charges hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nihar Muhammad?
Nihar Muhammad is the co-suspect in the Laiba Ijaz suicide case. He pleaded not guilty in the Islamabad sessions court and was granted interim bail until October 20 against surety bonds of Rs20,000.
What is the difference between interim bail and regular bail?
Interim bail is short-term protection from arrest granted while the court hears full arguments. Regular (confirmed) bail is granted after the court has heard both sides. Thursday’s order is interim and will be revisited at the next hearing.
Who is the prime suspect in the case?
The prime suspect is Muhammad Nauman, who was sent on five-day physical remand on October 12. The FIA has also named Fatima Sarwar as a suspect in the alleged education scam.
