In a violent confrontation at a Punjab University (PU) hostel on February 16 between two student organisations, namely the Pashtun and Baloch Educational Development Movement (PBEDM) and Islami Jamiat-i-Tulaba (IJT), 15 students were injured. Confrontations featuring PU’s student groups, particularly the IJT, frequently make the news. In this instance reports suggest the clash was initiated when the IJT activists descended on some students who were playing music in their room at the hostel, and torched their room with all their belongings. While no one was harmed, the next day a gathering of the PBEDM outside the hostel was approached by more than 100 IJT activists carrying pistols and clubs, who opened fire on the group. Although some escaped, 15 students were tortured by IJT activists, in clear view of the policemen who did not intervene. The injured are hospitalised and stable currently, and the Muslim Town SHO has said that cases will be registered against the attackers after the medical reports arrive. PU spokesman Khurum Shehzad stated that the administration will ensure a peaceful academic atmosphere, and an inquiry team has been set up to investigate the matter, further stating that the ‘miscreants’ would be identified through CCTV footage and outsiders would be reported.
Initiating violent clashes, where goons brutally assault innocent students, and then clearing itself of blame by denial is a typical practice of the IJT. The aggressive group has perpetuated a regime of despotism in the university, and anyone who steps out of line is victimized and tormented. Even professors haven’t been spared IJT’s bullying tactics over decades. It is a great failing of the PU and the state and thoroughly disheartening that the once liberal, progressive and thriving atmosphere of the university has been surrendered to the hooligans of IJT. Even after years of savagery, seizing hostels and harming students, no one has had the courage to grasp the nettle firmly and bring an end to this reign of terror. Officially, student organisations are banned, but this law appears to have no impact on the IJT, which continues its activities as an ‘unofficial’ group feared across the campus. The only hindrance to tackling this matter is the reluctance of the authorities, who are held hostage to the dominance of the mullahs. Attempts to trivialise the matter or rationalise inaction will not do anymore. The attackers in this case need to be apprehended and made an example of. If there is to be any chance of restoring Punjab University, the oldest and once most prestigious institution in the subcontinent, to its former glory, the plague of IJT that has tainted the university needs to be completely expunged. *