PU action targets illegal hostellers to accommodate rightful students

LAHORE : Punjab University (PU) boarding students will return to their hostels from April 8, following a comprehensive clean-up operation conducted during Eidul Fitr holidays.

The operation, carried out jointly by university authorities and law enforcement agencies during Eid holidays, targeted illegally occupied rooms across all male hostels.

A PU official stated that the action aimed to remove non-student elements from the hostels and return rooms to deserving students, particularly those in morning programmes who had been denied accommodation despite their merit.

As per the details, the operation involved identifying and securing rooms with illegal occupants. It is learnt that clothing, bedding, and shoes found in these rooms were confiscated and stored, while the rooms were double-locked and sealed for security. Prior to the operation, the university displayed complete allotment lists and issued notices to illegally occupied rooms, warning residents to vacate or face legal action.

It is pertinent to mention here that a rise in on-campus violence, primarily involving the Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT), has been observed since Prof Dr Muhammad Ali became Punjab University’s Vice-Chancellor in September 2024. The PU administration had previously taken disciplinary action against several students, including IJT members, for their role in campus disturbances. According to sources, this recent hostel clean-up operation represents another step in the university’s ongoing commitment to remove non-student and violent elements from campus premises.

The university has emphasised strict consequences for violations, including immediate reporting to University Security and Police, FIR registration, and referral to Disciplinary Committees. Penalties may include rustication, expulsion, or degree cancellation for graduated students still illegally occupying rooms.

Talking to The News, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali emphasised that Punjab University was committed to ensuring zero illegal occupancy in hostels. He clarified that the recent operation targeted all unauthorised occupants regardless of their affiliations, with the sole purpose of restoring rooms to their rightful students.

“This should have been done years ago,” ' he stated, explaining that while he could have maintained the existing situation, doing so would have contradicted the university’s core values of creating a peaceful and disciplined campus.”

A PU spokesperson said that starting April 8, legal allottees returning to their hostels must show their university ID and confirm their allotment from the hostel list. If their rooms were sealed due to illegal co-residents, they must contact their hostel superintendent for written permission to reopen the room. Failure to follow this protocol will result in disciplinary action.

For morning programme students who were previously residing without allotment, a Google Form was circulated on April 4, 2025. Starting April 9, 2025, these students must report to the Hall Council, submit a formal apology, explanation of their stay, and request for hostel allotment. Confiscated items will be returned upon compliance with this process, the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, the PU Academic Staff Association (PU-ASA) extended its appreciation to the university administration for, what it termed, initiating the long-overdue and much-needed hostel clean-up operation. This decisive step reflects a commendable commitment to restoring order and discipline, foundational elements for cultivating an environment conducive to learning, personal growth, and academic excellence.

“PU-ASA fully supports all constructive efforts aimed at improving the quality of campus life and ensuring a safe, respectful, and academically focused environment for both students and teachers,” said Dr Amjad Magsi, PU-ASA president.