Islamabad: An Additional District and Sessions Court in Islamabad granted interim bail on Thursday to a co suspect in the case involving the death of a university student who had allegedly been defrauded of millions of rupees in an overseas education scam.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka granted bail to the co suspect until October 20 against surety bonds worth Rs 20000.

During the hearing, the co suspect appeared before the court alongside his lawyer and denied the allegations against him.

His counsel argued that his client was innocent and had been falsely implicated in the case. The lawyer requested interim bail while the investigation and legal proceedings continued. After hearing the arguments, the court granted interim relief and issued notices to the relevant parties, directing them to present their responses at the next hearing on October 20.

The case concerns the death of a 20 year old student at the International Islamic University Islamabad on October 9. According to investigators, the victim's family had allegedly paid millions of rupees to an education consultant who promised to arrange admission to Harvard University in the US and secure financial assistance for the victim's studies.

Reports have differed on the amount allegedly obtained from the family, with figures ranging from Rs 5 million to approximately Rs 7 million.

Investigators said the suspect had allegedly provided travel documents that were later found to be forged.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) registered a case against two suspects under provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code relating to cheating and abetment, alongside sections of the Emigration Ordinance, 1979. According to the FIA, the main suspect allegedly misrepresented his identity and professional status while obtaining money from the family.

The funds were reportedly collected on the pretext of arranging the victim's admission to Harvard University and securing employment for her brother. A separate case was registered at Islamabad's Ramna Police Station under Sections 322 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The main suspect was arrested and placed on five day physical remand by a court on October 12.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also took notice of the case and directed Islamabad's inspector general of police and chief commissioner to take action.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said he would personally examine the matter. The court is expected to hear arguments from the parties on October 20 before deciding whether to extend the interim bail granted to the co suspect.

Investigations into the alleged education and immigration fraud remain ongoing.