STAFF REPORTER
PESHAWAR : Social activist Saima Mehboob has expressed deep sorrow and concern over the Laiba murder case, urging the government to take immediate and strict action against individuals allegedly deceiving young people in the name of overseas education. She questioned why the government waits for a young life to be lost and a family to be devastated before taking action, emphasizing that protecting citizens and ensuring justice are fundamental responsibilities of the state.
Saima Mehboob said that Laiba was a gold medalist in Physics from the International Islamic University Islamabad and aspired to pursue higher education in the United States. According to her family, they allegedly paid Rs. 9.3 million to a consultant to facilitate this goal. However, a case of alleged fraud concerning admission to Harvard University subsequently came to light. She called for a transparent investigation to establish the facts and bring those responsible to justice in accordance with the law.
She said that Laiba’s parents had even sold their jewellery and property to secure a bright future for their daughter, but the incident severely damaged the family’s hopes and financial resources. She urged the government to establish an effective system for the registration, monitoring and accountability of consultants and education agents operating in the overseas education sector to protect students and parents from fraud.
Saima Mehboob further called for strict legislation against fake admission letters and educational fraud. She stressed the need to provide victims with immediate legal assistance and establish a mechanism to compensate their financial losses, ensuring they do not have to spend years moving between courts and government offices to obtain justice.
Referring to the police investigation in the Laiba case, she appreciated the role of DSP CIA Islamabad Mian Suleman Shah Kakakhel, who, according to reports received, played an important role in advancing the investigation and tracing the suspect under the special directions of the Islamabad Inspector General of Police. She emphasized that the investigation must be completed transparently and in accordance with all legal requirements.
Saima Mehboob said that declining public trust in government institutions and growing disappointment with the justice system among victims were matters of serious concern. She maintained that the government must take preventive measures before crimes occur rather than responding only after the damage has been done. She emphasized that true justice is not limited to punishing offenders; it also requires protecting citizens in a timely manner. She urged the government to ensure a transparent investigation into the Laiba murder case and other alleged overseas education fraud cases, hold those responsible accountable, and take immediate practical measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
