Over 50 students of Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) were arrested in a late-night raid conducted by Islamabad Police at the request of the university administration. The operation targeted hostels 6, 8, 9, and 11, all of which were forcibly evacuated.
According to sources, around 55 to 60 students were taken into custody and shifted to the Secretariat Police Station. The university claims students had been instructed to vacate hostels by July 13 for scheduled maintenance during the summer break. While most complied, dozens allegedly continued residing in the hostels despite repeated deadlines.
In a statement, the police said legal assistance was provided at the university’s request. “Students who resisted this peaceful process have been removed, and legal action will be taken,” the statement noted.
However, human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, who visited the detained students, claimed that up to 72 individuals had been arrested. “We are in talks with the vice chancellor to resolve the issue,” she told reporters.
Tensions escalated on campus as students staged a protest, prompting the closure of the Vice Chancellor’s Office. A notification from the administration stated that while most hostels had been vacated, the remaining students were staying illegally.
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with videos showing police personnel inside QAU hostels circulating widely. Rights groups have raised concerns over the use of force and the treatment of students.
As of Tuesday evening, negotiations between student representatives, legal counsel, and university officials were ongoing, with no formal resolution announced.