ISLAMABAD: The Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad came under harsh criticism from students and civil society activists as the varsity called on Rangers and police after a clash between Baloch and Pashtun ethnic student groups turned violent and injured several people.
The clash reportedly occurred between Baloch and Pashtun student councils, leaving a number of students injured. The clash also caused extensive damage to the university. The university shut down indefinitely and the authorities requested Rangers’ deployment.
On Thursday, student organisations and civil society activists protested against the recent crackdown on students.
After the clash, Rangers, police forces, and anti-terrorism squads were deployed on the campus. The police also arrested five students.
The university administration also issued directives for all students to vacate the hostels immediately. A video of girl students vacating the hostels in the middle of the night also emerged on social media.
The protesters demanded that the university is”demilitarised” and all the arrested students be released. The protesters also claimed that many students were arrested without First Information Reports (FIRs).
This is not the first time violent clashes have erupted between student groups at QAU. In 2017, two ethnic student groups clashed, resulting in the deployment of Rangers within the university premises to curtail the violent situation.
