LAHORE, October 12, 2026: Students at Allama Iqbal Medical College (AIMC) have been protesting for more than a week over the death of their fellow third-year MBBS student, Abdullah Mazhar, who drowned in the college swimming pool on September 30, 2026.
The students have accused the college administration of negligence and demanded an impartial investigation, accountability and action against those found responsible for the incident.
Students Allege Negligence Over Swimming Pool Death
According to initial reports citing police sources, Abdullah Mazhar, a 23-year-old student from Chishtian in Bahawalnagar district, drowned while swimming at the college facility. Reports indicated that a lifeguard was allegedly absent when the incident occurred, raising serious questions about safety arrangements and supervision.
Following the tragedy, students launched protests seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding their classmate’s death.
The protesters have questioned the handling of the investigation and expressed dissatisfaction with the administration’s response. They allege that the inquiry failed to adequately address concerns about institutional responsibility and safety arrangements.
Students have also alleged that Principal Prof. Dr. Tayyiba Wasim warned protesting students of possible expulsion instead of addressing their demands. These allegations have not been independently verified.
A social media post by Ali Jutt further alleged that attempts were made to discourage media coverage of the demonstrations and that no meaningful disciplinary action had been taken against those allegedly responsible.
The post also questioned the administration’s response to the tragedy, claiming that a condolence reference and prayers for Abdullah Mazhar were arranged several days after his death.
Principal Granted Four-Day Leave for Dubai
Amid the continuing student protests, the Punjab government’s Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department has approved four days of ex-Pakistan leave for AIMC Principal Prof. Dr. Tayyiba Wasim.
According to an official notification dated October 9, 2026, the principal has been granted leave from October 15 to October 18, 2026, to travel to Dubai under the Revised Leave Rules, 1981.
The notification states that the provincial government has no objection to her foreign travel and that the leave will create no financial liability for the government.
During her absence, Prof. Dr. Farhat Naz, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (BS-20) at Allama Iqbal Medical College, will look after the routine duties of the principal.
The approval comes at a time when students are demanding accountability over Abdullah Mazhar’s death. However, the official leave notification does not establish any connection between the principal’s planned Dubai visit and the circumstances of the incident.
Students Continue Demanding Justice
More than a week after the tragedy, students continue demanding a transparent investigation into the incident, clarification of safety measures at the swimming pool and appropriate disciplinary action wherever negligence is established.
They have also called for their concerns to be heard without fear of disciplinary consequences.
The allegations against the college administration remain contested and have not been established through independently verified official findings. The available information does not confirm any final determination of responsibility for Abdullah Mazhar’s death.
