ISLAMABAD: An Islamabad court on Monday granted police a five-day physical remand of prime suspect Muhammad Noman in a case involving alleged fraud against International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) graduate Laiba Ijaz.
Laiba reportedly died by suicide after discovering that her travel documents were fake. Police reportedly found her body hanging beside a road in Sector G-10, within the jurisdiction of Ramna Police Station.
Police produced Noman before Judicial Magistrate Zunaira Zafar at the District and Sessions Courts in Islamabad.
Police Seek Further Investigation
During the hearing, the investigating officer (IO) told the court that investigators needed to examine the facts and circumstances surrounding the case.
The officer said police would review the available evidence, verify preliminary findings and determine the suspect’s alleged role in the incident. Investigators will also examine items linked to Noman and verify any additional evidence.
Police arrested Noman from Sector H-13 in Islamabad.
According to sources, the investigation has uncovered evidence of his alleged involvement in online fraud and the blackmailing of women.
Sources also said Noman previously worked at the Anti-Corruption Establishment in Quetta but was later suspended. He subsequently worked for a company in Islamabad.
FIR Details Alleged Visa Fraud Worth Millions
Meanwhile, further details have emerged after police unsealed the first information report (FIR), registered at Ramna Police Station on October 10.
In the complaint, Laiba’s father, Muhammad Ijaz, accused Noman and a woman named Aiza of responsibility for his daughter’s death. These allegations have yet to be established in court.
According to the FIR, Noman met Laiba around six to seven months earlier near Blue Area in Islamabad, where he interviewed her.
The complaint states that Noman presented himself as an influential person and claimed to hold a senior government position in Islamabad. He allegedly offered to arrange a US study visa for Laiba.
Her father told police that they agreed on a total cost of Rs9.3 million for the visa and travel process. He allegedly paid Noman Rs2.1 million in cash in the presence of witnesses.
Later, Laiba transferred another Rs2.9 million to Noman through her bank account, according to the FIR.
Travel Documents and Payment Receipt Allegedly Fake
The complainant further alleged that Noman later brought Laiba’s travel documents to his shop. He also showed a receipt for a transaction of $20,000, which he claimed related to the bank statement.
However, the complainant said both the documents and the receipt turned out to be fake.
When he questioned Noman about the alleged fraud, the suspect reportedly stopped answering his calls.
Meanwhile, Aiza, whom Noman had introduced to Laiba, allegedly continued demanding more money from her. The FIR states that these demands caused Laiba severe mental stress.
Police are investigating the allegations and the circumstances surrounding Laiba’s death.
