ISLAMABAD: An Islamabad court on Monday handed over prime suspect Muhammad Noman to the police on a five-day physical remand in a case involving alleged visa fraud against Laiba Ijaz, a graduate of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), who reportedly died by suicide after discovering that her travel documents were fake.
Laiba’s body was reportedly found hanging by the roadside in Sector G-10, within the jurisdiction of Ramna police station.
Noman was produced before Judicial Magistrate Zunaira Zafar at the District and Sessions Courts in Islamabad. During the hearing, the investigating officer requested time to examine the circumstances surrounding the case, verify the available evidence and establish the suspect’s alleged role.
Court Grants Five-Day Physical Remand
The investigating officer told the court that a detailed examination of the available evidence and preliminary findings was necessary to advance the investigation.
The officer said investigators needed to verify evidence, examine items allegedly linked to the suspect and establish the facts surrounding the incident.
Noman was arrested from Islamabad’s H-13 sector.
According to sources, the investigation has also uncovered evidence suggesting the suspect’s alleged involvement in online fraud and the blackmailing of women. These allegations remain subject to investigation.
Sources further said Noman had previously worked at the Anti-Corruption Establishment in Quetta, where he was suspended. He had also worked for a company in Islamabad.
FIR Unsealed as Details of Alleged Visa Fraud Emerge
Police have unsealed the first information report (FIR), registered at Islamabad’s Ramna police station on October 10, providing further details of the alleged fraud.
According to the FIR, Laiba’s father, Muhammad Ijaz, nominated Noman and a woman identified as Aiza in connection with his daughter’s death.
The complaint states that Noman met Laiba around six to seven months ago near Blue Area in Islamabad, where he interviewed her. He allegedly introduced himself as an influential person who claimed to hold a senior position in the federal capital and offered to arrange a US study visa for her.
According to the complainant, the total cost of the visa and travel arrangements was agreed at Rs9.3 million.
The FIR states that Laiba’s father paid Rs2.1 million in cash in the presence of witnesses. Laiba subsequently transferred another Rs2.9 million to Noman through her bank account.
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Fake Documents and Alleged Demands for More Money
The complainant alleged that Noman later brought Laiba’s travel documents to his shop and presented a receipt showing a transaction of $20,000 for the bank statement.
However, the documents and receipt were subsequently found to be fake, according to the FIR.
When Laiba’s father questioned Noman about the alleged fraud, the suspect reportedly stopped answering his calls.
The complaint further alleges that Aiza, whom Noman had introduced to Laiba, continued contacting her and demanding additional money.
These developments reportedly left Laiba under severe mental stress. Her death is now being investigated in connection with the allegations made by her father.
Investigation Continues
Police are investigating the allegations against Noman and Aiza, including the alleged financial fraud, the authenticity of the travel documents and the circumstances surrounding Laiba’s death.
The five-day physical remand will allow investigators to question Noman and examine evidence relevant to the case.
The allegations against the suspects have not been established in court, and the investigation remains ongoing.
