Daily Times

LAHORE: The University of the Punjab on Monday turned into a warzone after members of the Islami Jamiat-e-Taliba (IJT) clashed with Baloch students. Angry students later attacked cars and buildings of several departments at the Punjab University New Campus.

The clash erupted after members of the Pakthun Baloch Students Union (PBSU) protested against the Pioneer Festival, organised by the IJT.

The clash turned violent as both groups attacked each other at the Electrical Engineering Department and Admin Block of the university. Both sides pelted each other with stones. After the clash, IJT members held a sit-in outside the VC’s office. They also protested at the campus underpass and damaged passing vehicles.

The PU administration had to call in police. Heavy contingents of police arrived on the spot and brought the situation under control after they fired teargas shells on the protesters.

While addressing the media after the incident, Vice Chancellor Dr Zakaira Zakir said that several “non-student” elements were involved in setting fire to a room at the university hostel on Monday morning.

He said that the incident was pre-planned and was aimed at tarnishing the image of PU. “We will identify them through CCTV footage. They will be removed from the university. Cases will also be lodged against them. We will take action to avoid such incidents in future,” he said.

Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the incident and sought a report from Lahore CCPO Amin Wains. He also ordered an inquiry into the incident and directed authorities to take strict action against the miscreants.

After receiving instructions from the Punjab CM, Minister for Higher Education Syed Raza Ali Gillani, CCPO Amin Wains and Operations DIG Haider Ashraf reached the Punjab University and held a meeting with Vice Chancellor Dr Zakaria Zakir.

Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Nabila Hakim also submitted an adjournment motion in Punjab Assembly against the violent clash among two groups at PU. The motion also demanded government to stop all political activities in government and private university.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said that matters should be resolved through peaceful manner instead of getting violent. He said that there were always some miscreant elements who wanted to destroy the peaceful academic environment of universities. He said that had action been taken during previous incidents, then the current clash could have been avoided. The minister also asked the PU VC to take strict action against the elements responsible for the clash without any discrimination.

Talking to the media, Minister Higher Education Raza Gillani said that no one would be allowed to disturb the peaceful environment at universities. “Strict action will be taken against the people involved in the incident. We will not allow anyone to form an organisation inside an organisation. This is the time to learn from the past and take action to avoid such incidents in future,” he said.

Gillani also said that three different cases would be registered. “The IJT and Baloch students will file two separate cases against each other. The third case will be registered by the PU,” he said.

Published in Daily Times, January 23^rd 2018.