Reactionary measures: AWKUM students, employees to display ID cards

Peshawar, Swabi varsities enhance security

PESHAWAR/HANGU: The administration of Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan has instructed its employees and students to display their varsity cards to facilitate security staff.  AWKUM reopened on Monday following the Bacha Khan University attack which killed at least 21.

A notification issued by the university on Monday stated in the aftermath of the Charsadda incident, all universities have enhanced their security. The university administration has urged employees and students to display their service and varsity cards respectively.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, AWKUM Admissions Director Pir Asfandyar Khan said after the BKU incident, the management decided to intensify security measures.

He said CCTV cameras have been installed in and around the campus, while barbed wires have been placed on boundary walls. The strength of security guards has also been increased. Pir Asfandyar added strangers would not be allowed to enter the university premises without proper checking and identification.



Pir Asfandyar pointed out the VC has instructed the security guards to check CNICs of those who enter the premises who do not belong to the varsity. Meanwhile, Islamia College University, Peshawar and University of Peshawar administration also strengthened
its security.

The UoP administration also directed the university campus police to close all campus gates at night; only one gate will be used for entering and exiting the campus. Similarly, University of Swabi also beefed up security in and around the campus keeping in view the security concerns.

Not secure

Students and faculty of Government Degree College Hangu say they feel vulnerable after the attack on BKU. College principal Roshan Khan told the media the college occupies 120 kanals and houses 600 students and 30 faculty members.

The media was told there was essentially no security protocol for the college. There are three security guards of which two have been hired privately. According to the principal, the Hangu DPO told him improving security was the college’s responsibility.

Roshan appealed to IGP, IG FC, Higher Education Commission director general and the chief minister to provide the college with ample security.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th,  2016.