PESHAWAR: Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT) has demanded judicial inquiry into the recent death by suicide of a student at Islamia College Peshawar.

Addressing a news conference at Peshawar Press Club on Wednesday, IJT campus nazim Aftab Afridi alleged that the hostels of Islamia College Peshawar had become a source of mental distress for students.

He alleged that students in the hostels of Islamia College were facing severe psychological pressure and administrative neglect. He said that incidents involving student deaths had occurred repeatedly over recent years. He maintained that concerns were raised after previous cases were not addressed effectively.

Mr Afridi demanded that reports of all previous inquiry committees formed after hostel-related deaths should be made public. He said that transparency was necessary to restore confidence of students and parents.

Referring to the latest incident, he called for an independent judicial investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and fix responsibility where required.

The IJT leader also criticised the administration’s handling of student affairs, alleging unfair disciplinary practices and financial pressure on students. He said that penalties imposed over delayed fee payments had stressed students. He suggested introducing an instalment-based fee payment system to provide relief to students.

He alleged that drug abuse had become widespread in both male and female hostels and claimed that authorities had failed to curb the menace. He urged provincial government and relevant departments to conduct an impartial investigation into the allegations and ensure a safer environment for students.

Mr Afridi showed concerns regarding college’s financial management and claimed that better recovery and management of institutional assets could reduce financial burden on students.

Among other demands, he called for improved hostel facilities, including provision of Wi-Fi services and urged authorities to take immediate steps to ensure a secure and conducive academic environment.

No official response from the Islamia College administration was immediately available.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026