Asma demands judicial inquiry into PU clashes, arrests

LAHORE: Renowned lawyer and human rights activist Asma Jahangir has demanded a judicial inquiry into clashes between student groups at Punjab University and release of all innocent students.

Addressing a press conference at the Lahore Press Club, she said, “A judicial inquiry into the clashes should be conducted, students who were illegally arrested from their hostels be released and terrorism charges should be dropped against them because they are only students." She added that vice chancellors and teachers were responsible to maintain discipline at universities and the PU administration should not hand over the control of the university to police. "We condemn the action of police and government officials. Banning students from other provinces is not a fair way to handle a critical situation. They all are the future of Pakistan and we should make a better living place for them," she added.

“All people are equal in the eye of law. We should not encourage parochialism and government officials and the PU administration shouldn’t use foul language against Baloch and Pashtun students. The PU VC warned students of sending them to the mountains. Such a harsh language shouldn’t be used for students," she observed.

She said, “Forcing sleeping students out of the hostels and asking them if they are Pashtun or Baloch before arresting them is a heinous crime. Whether they belong to KP, Punjab or Balochistan, they all are Pakistani and all should get an equal chance for fair trial." She alleged that fake FIRs were registered against students and they were forced to leave the hostels at late night. "Female students were also harassed during the clashes. We condemned the activities in education institutions," she added.

Human rights activist Hussain Naqi said the basic purpose of student unions was to safeguard the rights of students. "Our hearts bleed to see our young generation in chaos. Students should not let anyone use them for their personal agendas," he added.

Students from Pashtun Education Development Movement, Baloch Council and Siraiki Wing were also present. They said if the Higher Education Department (HEC) banned students or admitted them after scrutiny, then only elite class would get admission and merit would be violated. "We are Pakistani and we should get the basic right to get admission to any university of Pakistan," they demanded.

Meanwhile, responding to Asma Jahangir’s press conference, a Punjab University spokesman said the vice chancellor had not said at any forum that students would be sent to the mountains. "Asma Jahangir is Pakistan’s renowned human rights activist and respected lawyer and she is requested not to believe in rumours," he added.

The PU administration assures that action would be taken against the culprits only and biased attitude towards any group would not be adopted. Baseless propaganda based on false rumours is being fanned on social media. Therefore, politicians and social activists are requested to confirm them before any reaction and statement," he added.