Baligh warns against politics in varsities

Punjab governor says students are the future, no reason to push them into politics

LAHORE:

Punjab Governor Balighur Rahman has taken notice of a university event addressed by PTI chairman Imran Khan, warning that political gatherings would not be allowed in public sector universities of the province.

The Punjab Information Technology Board had organised a seminar titled 'Taleem and Hunar Sath Sath' at the Government college University with former prime minister Imran Khan as the chief guest. Several former ministers and party leaders also attended the event.

Imran Khan reportedly criticised the PML-N leadership in his speech and political slogans were also raised.

PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz tweeted that action should be taken against the vice chancellor over allowing the 'political gathering'.

Taking notice of the incident, the governor said it was sad that a historic institution had been used as a political arena and there was no space for such gatherings in public sector universities. "Students of the universities are our future and there is no reason that we push them into political activities," he asserted.

Commenting on the seminar, a GCU faculty member said, "It was not a political gathering but a constructive programme and we did not expect it to turn into a political address.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 27^th, 2022.