#JusticeForNadiaAshraf: Karachi University Denies Allegations In PhD Student’s Suicide Case

Nadia Ashraf, a student of Dr Panjwani Centre for Molecular Medicine & Drug Research (PCMD), Karachi University, committed suicide after allegedly being harassed by her PhD supervisor.

After the news surfaced, social media has flooded with posts linking the suicide of Nadia Ashraf with her academics related issues with her supervisor, Dr Iqbal Chaudhry, at the University of Karachi.

The reasons that Nadia Ashraf Used to Tell
“Dr Iqbal Chaudhry will not Allow Me to Have a PhD. Don’t know what the Doctor Wants from me.”
These are words that Nadia Ashraf uttered in her Immediate Circle before Committing Suicide.#JusticeForNadiaAshraf https://t.co/sbdeBj26Yl

— T A N ز E E L 🇵🇰 (@tanzeel_dogar) August 17, 2020

Also Read: LGS Sexual Harassment Case: 3 Points After Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights Discussed The Issue

Many have alleged that Nadia Ashraf wasn’t able to complete her degree for almost 15 years now that forced her to taker her life.

Many of the teachers are mentally torturing students like Nadia & girls can’t speak out just bcoz of depression of low grades.
RIP pretty soul🥺#JusticeForNadiaAshraf pic.twitter.com/bhynSzNo1q

— Amjad Ali dayo🇵🇰 (@DayoAmjad7) August 17, 2020

However, The International Centre for Chemical & Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi has categorically denied and condemned these allegations.

ICCBS spokesman shared that Nadia enrolled for her MPhil/PhD in 2007 under the supervision of Dr. Ameen Suria, but after she left, Nadia went under the supervision of Dr. Iqbal Choudhary.

The statement claimed that Nadia was going through a difficult time and had serious family issues, including the disappearance of her father a long time ago. The spokesman said that Nadia had stopped coming to the university for quite some time as she had started working to support her family.

Also Read: From LGS To LUMS; Pakistani Educational Institutes That Grandly Mishandled Sexual Harassment On Campus

The statement further added that Nadia was suffering from severe depression and that her supervisor and the institution had provided maximum support to her. The spokesman added that her application for an extension of registration was also favourably recommended to facilitate the completion of her PhD.

After expressing deep sorrow on Nadia’s passing, the management termed the accusations “baseless and unfounded,” saying that it must have been because of her personal issues, over which the institution had no control.

Netizens are now demanding an impartial inquiry of the case and urging fellow citizens to stop putting blame on anyone before an inquiry is launched.

Proper inquiry should take place to reach conclusion. It's too early to blame or bash professor for our internal satisfaction Before any solid evidence #JusticeForNadiaAshraf

— HAMZA | ء | 🇵🇸 (@_credible_sourc) August 17, 2020

Have something else to add to this story? Share in the comments below!