ISLAMABAD: In a pre-dawn operation on Tuesday, Islamabad police detained more than 50 students from Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) following a request by the university administration to vacate certain hostels for summer maintenance.
The university had previously issued notices asking students to vacate hostels 6, 8, 9, and 11 by July 13, citing planned renovation work during the vacation period. While most students complied, some remained despite repeated warnings.
According to the university, students who failed to leave were forcibly evicted, and between 55 and 60 were subsequently arrested and moved to the Secretariat Police Station. The police stated that their involvement was in response to a formal request for legal support by QAU authorities.
“Legal support was provided as students were reportedly residing in the hostels unlawfully,” the Islamabad police said, noting that further action would be based on the university’s written complaint.
Prominent human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, present outside the police station, claimed that the number of detained students had reached 72. “We plan to meet the vice chancellor to find a solution,” she told Geo News.
In the wake of student protests, the Vice Chancellor’s Secretariat has been shut down. The university confirmed the closure, stating it was due to ongoing demonstrations by students.
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