ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Police in Islamabad have launched an investigation after the father of a young man alleged that his son died following torture at a private mental health centre, raising serious concerns over patient care and oversight at the facility.
The complainant has approached Shahzad Town Police Station, requesting the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against those responsible for his son’s death.
According to the complaint submitted to police, the victim had been admitted to the mental health centre in June for treatment. The father alleged that after his son’s admission, he was repeatedly denied permission to meet him despite making several requests during the following month.
The father claimed that the administration of the facility prevented family members from maintaining contact with the patient throughout his stay, leaving them unaware of his physical and medical condition.
According to the application, the family was informed on July 9 that the patient had developed dengue fever. Concerned about his son’s health, the father immediately travelled to the facility.
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However, upon reaching the centre, he was allegedly informed that his son had already died.
The father stated in his complaint that he noticed visible injury marks on his son’s body, leading him to suspect that the victim had been subjected to physical torture before his death.
He alleged that the injuries were inconsistent with a natural illness and demanded a thorough investigation to determine the actual cause of death.
The complaint further stated that members of the centre’s staff reportedly left the premises soon after the incident, raising additional questions about the circumstances surrounding the patient’s death.
According to the father, the owner of the facility, identified in the complaint as Dr. Hamza, was also not present when the family arrived and has since remained unavailable.
Police officials confirmed that they had received the application and were examining the allegations before initiating further legal proceedings.
Investigators are expected to record statements from the complainant, employees of the facility and other relevant witnesses as part of the inquiry.
Authorities are also likely to review medical records, admission documents and surveillance footage, if available, to establish a timeline of events.
The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination, which investigators consider crucial in determining the exact cause of death and whether any criminal offence was committed.
Officials said the forensic report will play an important role in deciding the legal course of action.
Police have not yet confirmed the allegations contained in the complaint and stressed that all claims would be investigated according to the law.
No arrests had been reported at the time of filing this report.
The incident has drawn attention to concerns regarding monitoring and accountability at private healthcare and rehabilitation facilities.
Mental health experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of protecting patients’ rights, ensuring regular family access and maintaining transparent treatment procedures within such institutions.
Legal experts say that if evidence establishes negligence, abuse or criminal misconduct, those responsible could face prosecution under relevant provisions of Pakistan’s criminal law.
Authorities are expected to inspect the mental health centre as part of the investigation and determine whether it was operating in accordance with regulatory requirements.
The complainant has urged police to conduct an impartial investigation and ensure that anyone found responsible for his son’s death is brought to justice.
Police officials said further action will depend on the findings of the post-mortem report, forensic evidence and witness statements collected during the investigation.
The inquiry remains ongoing, and authorities have appealed to the public to avoid speculation until the investigation is completed and official findings are released.
