The brother of Muhammad Owais Sultan, a student at a private university in Lahore who died by suicide on December 19, has demanded a transparent investigation, alleging that sustained academic pressure played a role in the tragedy. Speaking to a private TV channel, Sohaib Sultan claimed his brother was under severe mental stress after being warned by teachers that he might be barred from examinations due to low attendance, despite having paid full tuition fees.
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According to the family, Owais repeatedly sought leniency from university staff, fearing his semester would be wasted if he was not allowed to sit for exams. His brother said the situation caused prolonged anxiety, leaving Owais feeling helpless in the days leading up to his death.
Police officials said they reached the scene soon after the incident and completed initial legal formalities. However, no criminal case was registered after Owais’s father, Ali Razaq, opted not to pursue proceedings under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The body was later handed over to the family and buried in Kamaliya.
کوئی بھی پالیسی انسانی جان سے بڑھ کر نہیں ہو سکتی۔ ایک ہونہار طالبعلم کا اس طرح جان گنوا دینا ادارہ جاتی بے حسی اور ناقص نظام کی واضح مثال ہے۔#JusticeForUOLStudent@GovtofPunjabPK https://t.co/qdiS720ceg pic.twitter.com/KvjmkaVGqC
— PTI Punjab (@PTIPunjabPK) December 24, 2025
University authorities and legal advisers have confirmed the formation of a seven-member inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The committee is tasked with determining whether alleged harassment, administrative practices or other factors contributed to the student’s death.
Following the incident, students at the university staged protests, calling for accountability and stronger mechanisms to protect students from academic and psychological pressure. Protesters urged the administration to introduce clearer attendance policies, counselling support and grievance redressal systems.
Initial reports stated that Owais jumped from the third floor of the university’s pharmacy building on December 19. He was rushed to the university hospital and later shifted to a general hospital due to critical injuries, where he succumbed later that evening.
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The university administration has not yet released an official statement on the inquiry, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. The family has reiterated its demand for transparency to ensure that responsibility, if any, is clearly established.