Laiba Aijaz, a top physics graduate from the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), was found dead in Islamabad on October 9, in what authorities suspect was a suicide. Her tragic death has brought to light a sophisticated study abroad scam that preyed on her family's aspirations and financial sacrifices.

Aijaz's dream was to continue her education in the US, particularly at Harvard University, a prestigious institution. Her family had made immense sacrifices to support her academic ambitions. Her father had sold milk and yogurt on the streets of Islamabad since 1994 to fund his children's education. To finance Laiba's study abroad, he reportedly sold a plot of land intended for the family home, while her mother pawned her jewelry. Aijaz had even turned down a scholarship to study in Saudi Arabia, driven by her singular focus on Harvard.

According to the Federal Investigation Agency of Pakistan (FIA), two suspects are accused of embezzling 9,3 million rupees (approximately 33,000 USD) from Aijaz and her family. To gain their trust, the scammers falsified their identities, posing as accountants at the Supreme Court. They provided a series of fake documents, including admission letters, scholarship offers, and tuition receipts.

The elaborate deception unraveled when Aijaz presented her documents at the US Embassy for a visa interview. She was informed that all her papers were invalid. This devastating news, after her family's profound sacrifices, led to the tragic events.

The incident sparked widespread outrage across Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promptly directed the Islamabad police chief and city authorities to swiftly apprehend those involved in the fraudulent scheme.

Following the Prime Minister's directive, police arrested the main suspect along with two women. On October 12, a court approved a 5-day temporary detention order for the main suspect, allowing for an expanded investigation into the network.

International Islamic University Islamabad. *Photo: University website*