Preying on ambition

. The suicide of Laiba Aijaz, a BS gold medalist from the International Islamic University Islamabad, is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating human toll of unchecked fraudulent schemes. Driven by the dream of pursuing higher education in the US, Laiba's family entrusted their life savings of Rs7.1 million to a predatory education consultant. For Laiba, the realisation that the admission documents were fake proved too heavy a burden. Unable to face her father - a hardworking milkman who earned their livelihood on a motorcycle - she tragically chose to end her life by hanging herself. This loss highlights a systemic crisis. Across the country, fraudsters operate with absolute impunity. They mask their criminal operations behind plush career consultancies, fake admission agencies and illicit call centres, exploiting the desperate aspirations of students and job seekers alike. While public vigilance is necessary, the ultimate responsibility lies with the state. Government systems exist precisely to protect ordinary citizens and simpletons from such sophisticated predators. As an urgent counter-measure, the FIA must immediately track, arrest and prosecute the consultant involved under anti-fraud and abetment of suicide laws. The consultant, who is reportedly taken into custody, must have his bank accounts frozen forthwith so that the defrauded amount can be recovered and returned to Laiba's family as early as possible, though it serves as no compensation to the grieving parents. As part of steps in general to check such felonies, there is a need for the government to: 1) establish a centralised regulatory body under the Ministry of Education to license all education and career consultants; 2) launch an easily accessible government website where students and parents can verify the credentials of any consultant and check a blacklist of banned operators; 3) deploy law enforcement and digital forensics teams to raid deceptive plush offices and illegal call centres operating without verified credentials; and 4) take steps for public awareness. The state must act now to ensure that no more Laibas fall prey to the cruel traps of fraudulent consultants.