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Police investigating the death of student Laiba Ijaz have identified a man named Noman as the prime suspect in an alleged fraud case involving promises of securing a US visa. According to preliminary findings, the suspect allegedly used ChatGPT to impersonate other people and send fake documents to gain the student’s trust.
Police sources said Noman allegedly posed as a woman named Aiza and her brother, who was living in the United States, to convince Laiba that he could help arrange her visa. Investigators are also examining whether other women may have been targeted through similar tactics.
How the Suspect Allegedly Met Laiba
According to preliminary police findings, Noman first came into contact with Laiba in March 2023, when she applied for an internship at an insurance company. Although she met him, she could not join the office because she was occupied with private tutoring.
The suspect later hired Laiba, her sister and their mother for advertising work linked to a tuck shop. A woman named Aiza reportedly managed the business and assigned work to the family.
Police sources said Laiba approached Noman for assistance with a US visa because Aiza’s brother was living in America.
Investigators allege that Noman subsequently created another account using Aiza’s identity and began communicating with Laiba. He reportedly used ChatGPT to imitate both Aiza and her brother, sending documents that Laiba initially believed were genuine.
Fake Interview Dates Raised Suspicion
According to the investigation, Noman gave Laiba several dates for a visa interview, initially September 1, followed by September 17 and September 26.
Laiba reportedly became suspicious and checked the documents, discovering that they were allegedly fake.
Police sources said she had handed over money to Noman that her father received from the sale of a plot worth Rs21 million. She also reportedly gave him jewellery belonging to her stepmother.
As pressure mounted to return the jewellery, Laiba allegedly asked Noman to give it back first, saying the remaining financial matters could be settled later.
Investigators said Noman subsequently began avoiding her and eventually stopped responding to her.
Suspect’s Professional Background Under Scrutiny
According to police sources, Noman had worked in an anti-corruption department for around 15 years before reportedly being dismissed in 2022 over prolonged absence from duty.
He later worked as a manager at several insurance companies and joined an insurance firm in Islamabad’s Blue Area in 2025, the sources added.
Investigators are examining his background and alleged activities as they seek to establish the full circumstances of the case.
Police Suspect Other Women May Have Been Targeted
Police sources said investigators suspect that Noman may have defrauded other women using similar methods.
According to preliminary findings, the suspect allegedly deleted data from his mobile phone before investigators could examine it. The device is expected to undergo forensic analysis in an effort to recover deleted information and identify possible additional victims.
The findings of the forensic examination could help investigators establish whether other people were involved and determine the extent of the alleged fraud.
Reports indicate that Laiba was left distressed by the situation and later died by suicide. However, the full circumstances surrounding her death and the allegations against the suspect remain subject to investigation.
The allegations have not yet been established in court, and further investigation is expected to clarify the facts of the case.
