Disciplinary action initiated against students involved in KU clash

Issued show-cause notices in first phase, directing them to submit written explanations within a week

The administration of the University of Karachi has initiated disciplinary action against students allegedly involved in last week’s violent clash and torching of a motorcycle within the campus premises.

At least five students from various departments have been issued show-cause notices, directing them to submit written explanations within a week.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Student Advisory Council, where the university’s security advisor presented the names of the students based on available evidence.

Acting Student Affairs Advisor at the KU, Dr Sarwat told Express, "In the first phase, show-cause notices have been sent to the students, and further action will be taken upon receiving their responses."

When asked about how the students were identified, she said the security advisor would be in a better position to explain this.

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According to sources in the Student Advisor’s Office, those issued notices for their alleged involvement in the motorcycle arson and other charges belong to the Departments of Political Science, Chemistry, Law, and Criminology, while some students’ departments are yet to be identified.

Security Advisor Salman Zubair said the identification process was carried out using CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts. However, he noted that many of the individuals involved had covered their faces, making the identification process difficult.

Last week’s clash between student groups at KU left one student injured, while a group attempted to set motorcycles on fire outside the administration building. At least one motorcycle was completely burnt.

Officials say this may be the first such incident at the university where property was set ablaze during a student clash.