More than 30 injured in clash between PU guards and students

Security personnel from Punjab University were involved in a brawl with participants of the “Students Rights March,” which resulted in injuries to more than 30 people, mostly students.

The march aimed to address key issues, including a reversal of recent fee hikes, student representation in harassment committees, construction of new hostels, and an investigation into the recent death of a female student whose body was recovered following alleged suicide at university hostel..

As students gathered peacefully to voice their demands, security guards attempted to disperse them, allegedly attacking and torturing the protesters.
Witnesses reported that guards snatched a microphone from Pashtun Council chairman Arif Kakar, who was addressing the crowd.

A video shared on social media shows guards striking students with batons, prompting the students to retaliate by throwing stones and glass bottles.

The clash resulted in injuries to thirty students and ten guards. Kakar claimed that the chief security officer (CSO) threatened students and their families, intensifying the confrontation. Following the incident, a heavy police contingent arrived to disperse the crowd.

In response to the unrest, the Punjab government has formed a four-member fact-finding committee to investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, the university’s Vice Chancellor condemned the attack on security personnel and directed that those responsible for the violence be identified and dealt with accordingly.