Gomal University expels students after wave of campus unrest

Gomal University expelled several students following a series of unrest incidents on campus, the administration said.

According to a handout issued by the university administration in Dera Ismail Khan, a series of recent incidents prompted action after several students, along with individuals from outside the campus, were reported to have engaged in disorderly conduct.

The handout states that on October 13, 2025, a group of students and outsiders stormed the Registrar’s Office, causing disruption, using abusive language, and attempting to inflict personal harm.

On October 16, 2025, a female tribal student from the Department of Sports was allegedly assaulted and harassed.

On October 17, 2025, individuals tried to forcibly enter the office of the VC Prof. Dr Zafar Iqbal and reportedly attacked a police guard.

On October 27, 2025, during a welcome event at the A.Q. Khan Auditorium organised by students of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, some students allegedly remained seated during the national anthem in what was described as a deliberate act of disrespect.

Another incident was reported on September 14, 2025, when a Pakistan–India cricket match was shown on a large screen at the same auditorium and some individuals allegedly chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and shouted “Jai Hind”.

Sources within the university's administration, told The Express Tribune that the culprits were associated with the banned outfit Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), and the students had posters of leaders of the outfit in their rooms.

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In response, the competent authority formed a fact-finding committee to identify those involved and verify the incidents. After completing its investigation, the committee submitted its report, and the matter was referred to the University Disciplinary Committee. Show-cause notices were issued to the students concerned, and disciplinary hearings were held on October 23 and November 7, where the accused students were given the opportunity to submit written replies and appear in person.

The Disciplinary Committee deemed the responses unsatisfactory. Acting under the Gomal University Students’ Conduct and Discipline Rules, it cancelled the admissions of the students involved and expelled them from the university. Their hostel rooms were vacated and sealed.

The expulsion of the students took place on November 7, 10 days before the notification was released.

The university maintains that certain “anti-education elements” have been provoking students and attempting to disrupt the campus environment. It added that since the appointment of VC Prof. Dr Zafar Iqbal, both academic and administrative affairs have improved significantly, citing peaceful examinations and the recovery of over 90% of long-pending dues.

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The administration accused some groups of spreading malicious propaganda under the banner of “local versus non-local” divisions, and said that a few non-local students fell under their influence.

The administration has stressed that it will not tolerate any group seeking to disturb the academic environment or waste students’ time.

Those expelled include Aman Burki (Department of Zoology), Irfanullah and Nangyal Bhittani (MLT Department), Ehsan Mehsud (Department of Economics), and Tariq Bhittani (Department of Political Science).

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In addition, former student Aamir Bhittani has been banned from entering the university campus for five years. The university noted that students expelled on disciplinary grounds are not eligible for admission to any other educational institution.

The administration has also contacted district authorities and the police for assistance in maintaining security and protecting the academic environment of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s second-largest university. The police department has assured full cooperation, for which the university has expressed its gratitude.