QAU students suspended over May 20 melee

Islamabad

The Qauid-i-Azam University has stopped 26 students suspected of involvement in the May 20 violence on campus from attending their respective classes and sitting examinations until their clearance by the disciplinary committee.

On May 20, members of the university’s Sindhi and Baloch student councils had clashed leaving at least 35 students injured.

The police called in to restore peace on campus had tear gassed students and made arrests before the administration suspended educational activities and closed the boys’ hostels until further orders.

The university resumed academic activities on May 25.

A senior member of the QAU administration said a committee of senior teachers was looking into the clashes to recommend ways to prevent such incidents in future.

He said the suspects were also under inquiry and that those found guilty of direct or indirect involvement in the clashes would be either expelled from the university or rusticated.

“Twenty-six students (enrolment) are suspended with immediate effect till the arrival of decision of the University Discipline Committee. They will not be allowed to sit in the classes or appear in the sessional and terminal examinations of the ongoing semester,” a circular issued by the administration read.

Among these students were 20 hostellers and the rest day scholars. They’re enrolled in various bachelor’s and master’s courses.