Thal varsity campus descends into chaos after student clash

Two-hour confrontation forces suspension of classes, expose security lapse

BHAKKAR:

A violent clash between two groups of students at Thal University Bhakkar created chaos on campus, severely disrupting the academic environment and raising serious questions about the university administration's preparedness, oversight and security arrangements.

Sources said dozens of students belonging to the Commerce and Urdu departments became involved in an altercation that quickly escalated into a physical confrontation.

Witnesses said students openly exchanged punches and slaps, creating panic across the campus and forcing the suspension of all classes and academic activities.

Eyewitnesses claimed the dispute erupted after a student allegedly used inappropriate language towards a female student, triggering anger among different student groups.

Within moments, the situation spiralled out of control, turning parts of the university into what observers described as a "battlefield."

What alarmed students and staff alike was that the clash reportedly continued for nearly two hours, during which the university administration and security staff allegedly failed to intervene effectively.

No timely action was taken to defuse the situation or ensure the safety of students, highlighting what many termed administrative negligence and weak campus monitoring.

Following the incident, the university administration issued routine statements, but students and parents dismissed them as mere formalities. They expressed serious concerns, stating that with timely action and a robust security mechanism, such incidents could have been prevented.

Students and their parents have urged the Punjab chief minister, the Higher Education Department, and other relevant authorities to take immediate notice of the incident.

Meanwhile, in a statement, a spokesperson for Thal University Bhakkar said that a minor incident had occurred between two student groups a few days ago.

The administration, he claimed, took immediate notice of the matter.

Following a thorough inquiry by the university's disciplinary committee, appropriate punishments were awarded to the students found involved.

The spokesperson also alleged that certain social media pages and disruptive elements were exaggerating the incident and spreading negative propaganda based on distorted facts, with the intent to harm the university's reputation and academic progress.

Reaffirming the institution's stance, the spokesperson said Thal University Bhakkar remains committed to providing quality education, promoting modern skills among youth, and fostering a positive academic culture.

He added that no leniency would be shown to those violating discipline or attempting to disturb the campus environment, and strict action would be taken in accordance with university rules and national laws.