IJT protests PU student’s murder ‘on campus’

LAHORE:A Punjab University (PU) student lost his life in a shooting incident allegedly within the university’s New Campus here on Thursday.

Terming it ‘a mysterious death’, the PU administration claims that the tragic shooting incident did not occur within the university premises, but Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT) alleged that it happened on campus. Amid the conflicting accounts, the undeniable reality is that a young student has tragically lost his life. The student, Rana Ammar Akhtar, a 22-year-old Gender Studies student from Kasur, was fatally injured in a shooting and was rushed to Shaikh Zayed Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. According to the details, the victim suffered three gunshot wounds to his chest, stomach, and leg. His body has been handed over to the police and will be sent for a postmortem examination.

Following the incident, Jamiat activists staged a sit-in outside the campus, causing severe traffic disruptions on Canal Road, Barkat Market, and nearby areas. A heavy contingent of police was deployed to the scene to control the situation. After negotiations with the protesters, the students dispersed, and the road was reopened for traffic. Earlier the protesting students also vandalised the university’s admin block, damaging doors and flowerpots.

At a press conference, Punjab University officials stated that their investigation found no evidence of a shooting incident on campus, as claimed by the Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT). They explained that security staff had reviewed CCTV footage from all locations mentioned by IJT and found no signs of gunfire, bullet shells, blood, or eyewitness accounts to support the claim.

The officials accused IJT of politicising the situation and fabricating the incident. They further revealed that the deceased student was a relative of a Punjab University administrative officer and clarified that IJT activists had attacked the administration block, damaging windows and vandalising the canteen. The university administration emphasised that they would not allow anyone to pressure or blackmail them. Meanwhile, the family of the deceased student stated that he had no affiliation with any student organisation. Meanwhile, Punjab University teachers and students are calling for a high-level independent investigation to uncover the truth behind the incident and ensure campus safety. The incident has created a sense of fear among students and their families, highlighting the need for clarity and action.

Speaking to The News, several students expressed concern over the rise in on-campus violence since Prof Dr Muhammad Ali Shah assumed the role of Vice Chancellor in September 2024. They emphasised the importance of addressing these issues to restore a secure and peaceful environment for learning.