18 injured in Punjab University clash

Case registered against four nominated and 20 unidentified persons

LAHORE: At least 18 people including 10 security guards were injured in a clash between two rival groups in the Punjab University (PU) on Friday.

The conflict between Islami Jamiat-e-Talba (IJT) and Pukhtun Council students began outside the sociology department. Pukhtun Council Chairman Waqas Khan and four other students sustained injuries in the brawl. Security guards immediately reached the spot and tried to pacify the ongoing conflict.

Reportedly, students aligned with one political party started beating the students of the opponent party who were protesting before the office of the vice-chancellor. The protesting students sustained injuries in the attack while six security guards were hit on the heads when they tried to intervene.

Later, police reached the university and assured the students that they will take action against the culprits.

One dead, several injured as students clash at Islamabad varsity

A PU spokesman said legal action would be taken against those involved in the clash. He said the matter would be investigated further.

A case was registered against four nominated and 20 unidentified persons. The nominated students were identified as Usma Butt, Anser Abbas, Shahzaib Arif and Imran.

An emergency press conference was conducted right after the fracas.

PU Registrar Dr Muhammad Khalid Khan, Resident Officer 1 Col (Retd) Omer Khalid, Chief Security Officer Col (Retd) Ubaid Masood and other officers were present during the briefing. While speaking to media Dr Khan said the university would take strict action against those students who are found guilty of involvement in the clash.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 29^th, 2020.