FIRs being registered against culprits involved in the clashes: Minister Raza Ali Gilani
Staff Report
LAHORE: Punjab University will remain open tomorrow and FIRs are being registered against the culprits involved in the clashes between student groups, said Punjab Minister for Higher Education Syed Raza Ali Gilani while addressing the media after 5-hours long meeting at vice chancellor’s office in new campus here on Monday.
Newly appointed Vice Chancellor Dr. Zakria Zakar, advisor student affairs Mr. Shahid Gul and Controller Examinations Dr. Shahid Munir were also present there to face the unprecedented and unusual attendance of media persons there who were covering the event live.
The minister and police high-ups rushed to the university after Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif and Law Minister Rana Sanaullah took serious notice of the media reports regarding clash of student groups at PU.
To a query regarding chances of action against students activists who allegedly come from FC College, Islamia College Civil Lines and Govt Science College Whadat Road, the minister said these all colleges also come under his jurisdiction and if they found some students in CCTV from these institutions, they will take action against them in their respective colleges.
The latest incident of fight between Islami Jamiat Tulaba and Baloch/Pashtun students after IJT activists gathered outside VC office early morning Monday to protest against Baloch students’ behavior with reference to their planned sports event Fourth Annual Pioneer Festival. When they dispersed and reach their department some clashes occurred at Sociology Department and Chemical Institute.
The administration sought police help and heavy contingent of police were seen on the campus within no time.
On the other hand, the classes remained continued in all teaching departments as per routine. However, there was a panic and fear among faculty and students with the rumors of university’s closure for two days.
The student clashes at PU has become a routine due to presence on ethnic groups and it is a challenge for the university administration as well as the city and provincial high-ups.