Senate panel concerned over drug trafficking at QAU

ISLAMABAD: The Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges has expressed concern over the law and order situation at Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), particularly regarding illegal occupants of the hostels and drug-related activities.

Chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, the Sub-Committee convened at Parliament House to examine derogatory remarks made by the Acting Vice-Chancellor of QAU, Professor Dr Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, against senators over their observations on hostel evictions, illegal occupants, and drug trafficking on university premises. The committee resolved to maintain close oversight to ensure the restoration of the university’s sanctity, discipline, and academic environment.

A representative from the Police Special Branch briefed the committee on recent developments related to the law and order situation at QAU. It was reported that a First Information Report (FIR No. 435, dated 29 July 2025) had been registered at the Secretariat Police Station, Islamabad, under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, following disturbances in hostel and illegal activities. The report maintained arrest of 43 individuals, of whom five to six were current students, 10 to 15 were alumni, and the remainder were illegal occupants of the university hostels. During police operations, seven sticks and an iron rod were recovered from the accused. The detainees were presented before the court and sent to judicial custody, with preventive action initiated under Sections 107/150 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Additionally, the police informed the committee that seven narcotics-related cases had been registered in areas surrounding the university, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals. The recoveries included 5,420 grams of charas, 622 grams of ice, and 510 grams of heroin.

Professor Dr Zafar Nawaz Jaspal informed the committee about the presence of various ethnic student councils, such as the Punjab Council and Baloch Council, operating within the university. He noted that these groups often disrupted academic activities by blocking transport services, locking classrooms, and organising strikes, thereby undermining the academic environment. He stressed that university hostels are intended solely for enrolled students and that unauthorised individuals must not interfere in institutional affairs. Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation, noting that the unchecked activities of such elements were damaging the university’s reputation and discipline. Senator Saadia Abbasi added that the lack of effective administrative control within such a prestigious national institution was alarming.