ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi today visited the home of Laiba Ijaz, a gold-medal-winning student whose death by suicide has drawn attention to an alleged job fraud, and met her father, Rana Ijaz.
Accompanied by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Naqvi expressed his condolences to the family and handed over money recovered in connection with the fraud. Islamabad Inspector General of Police Sohail Chaudhry was also present during the visit.
According to sources, the interior minister handed over more than Rs5 million to Laiba’s father and assured him that efforts would continue to recover the remaining amount allegedly taken from his daughter by the suspected fraudster.
The development came as the investigation into Laiba’s death and the alleged fraud continued, with authorities reportedly uncovering evidence of additional victims.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Rana Ijaz thanked Naqvi and others who had supported his family during the difficult period.
“I can never forget what happened to me, but the support of the Pakistani people brings me comfort,” he said.
Rana Ijaz said his daughter had wanted to travel abroad and was keen to serve the country. He also acknowledged the encouragement his family had received from Islamabad Police.
He added that the family had been informed that further cases involving the suspect had come to light. According to Rana, the suspect had also allegedly taken money from young women in Mansehra.
Laiba’s father confirmed that the money belonging to him had been returned.
Meanwhile, Islamabad Inspector General of Police Sohail Chaudhry separately visited the family to offer his condolences to Laiba’s relatives following her death.
21 more victims
The investigation has reportedly revealed that the deceased suspect, identified as Nauman, allegedly defrauded 21 other people besides Laiba by promising them jobs in the Ministry of Defence.
Sources said investigators recovered 21 fake appointment letters during the investigation. The suspect allegedly issued the documents to different individuals after collecting money from them in exchange for the promised jobs.
The alleged fraud also reportedly extended to members of his own family, with sources saying Nauman had issued fake appointment letters to four of his cousins.