Students, teachers fearful of increased IJT activity on PU campus

Say new vice-chancellor has taken softer stance on past violence by student union

LAHORE: Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba (IJT)’s increased activity on the Punjab University campus has raised major eyebrows among teachers and students who see the development as the policy of new vice-chancellor Dr Zafar Mueen Nasir.

The student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami has been organising several events at the Punjab University, including a cricket match. It will also hold a student festival in the coming days.

The university has been covered with flags, banners and posters of IJT, which according to other student factions and teachers, is creating unease inside the campus.



The previous administration of the Punjab University was at loggerheads with the IJT, while the new VC has taken a ‘softer’ stance against the student union. Reportedly, a meeting was held between IJT representatives and the VC, in which the student body assured it would work to promote education. Subsequently, the PU administration withdrew cases of violence against IJT.



The move was seen through fearful eyes as some teachers, who spoke to The Express Tribune, said the police was very dangerous. The IJT has a reputation of assaulting students and teachers in the past and people at the varsity feared history could repeat itself if the student body is not kept in check.

A faculty member of the Institute of Communication Studies (ICS) said this policy was a U-turn on the part of the administration and believed it would damage the environment.

Other teachers, however, were waiting to see how the situation played out. One such teacher said, “The new policy could work as the previous administration, under Dr Mujahid Kamran, was too hostile towards the student body. The new VC should be given time and space.”

Meanwhile, university students also showed their concern over the ‘softer’ stance over IJT. They said that the logo of the JI student wing could now be seen all over the campus.

“They have spray painted their logo everywhere inside the university and their flags are everywhere. This is to show students and teachers that they are now back in power,” a student said.



In a recent press conference, Vice Chancellor Dr Zafar Mueen Nasir dismissed the impression that the university administration had given a free hand to any student body. He said authorities would maintain a peaceful environment on campus and stern security measures would be taken to ensure security.

Several attempts were made to contact IJT Spokesman Taimoor Khan, but he was unavailable.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th, 2017.