LUMS statement on Death of Shahmir Asif Bajwa

On the evening of 12^th December, LUMS student and hostel resident Mr. Shahmir Asif Bajwa was found unresponsive in bed in his room. The LUMS administration was called when efforts to rouse him failed and Shahmir was immediately taken to the nearest hospital (National Defence Hospital) where doctors pronounced that he had expired earlier in the day.

There has since been speculation within the media that Shahmir’s death was caused by a drug overdose. While the cause of death has yet to be determined, the LUMS administration would like to make clear that it recognises that drug and substance abuse is a real challenge plaguing educational institutions and society at large, and that this issues is taken extremely seriously.

LUMS has a zero tolerance policy against all intoxicants and has regular vigilance and oversight to prevent availability of drugs and illegal substances on campus. This involves two layers of security and hostel staff. Any infractions are reported and dealt with according to procedures that are transparent and documented. A firm principled approach is taken with all students who are in violation of the zero tolerance policy.

A well-trained security force with SOPs regarding entry and exit from campus ensures general safety at LUMS.  The campus is well covered with CCTV, and all reports of drug violations, whether from security staff, cameras, or individual complaints, are followed up rigorously.

It is also recognised that addiction is a medical condition. In cases where students have sought help, they have been referred for medical treatment. LUMS has a trained full-time psychologist on board for both counselling and awareness-raising on all issues of concern including drug and substance abuse. To ensure that everything possible is being done to prevent drug and substance abuse, all aspects of our system are periodically reviewed and revised as deemed necessary.

This untimely death is a moment of grief and reflection;a difficult time for the entire LUMS family and we offer our sincerest condolences to Shahmir’s family members who have requested that their privacy be respected. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

“We surely belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.”

About LUMS:

The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) is a world class academic institution, established in 1985 with a proud history of achievement, and ambitious plans for the future. The idea of establishing the university took root in the mind of Syed Babar Ali, Pro Chancellor, LUMS who is the guiding spirit behind the university. With his resilient efforts and patronage of the business community, academia and representatives of the government, started the establishment of what was to become one of the leading universities of South Asia. LUMS is operating four schools that are School of Business, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Science and Engineering and School of Law. Since its inception, LUMS has strived to achieve the aim of imparting world class education while encouraging research and intellectual growth in the country. As a result, LUMS has played a key role in setting high standards of academics and producing professionals who can compete with counterparts from any university across the world.