A student protest at Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology (SUSIT) in Islamabad turned tense on Monday after a confrontation between protesters and a uniformed official escalated into a physical clash and firing.
The incident took place at the university’s Chattha Bakhtawar campus, where students had been protesting over issues involving the university administration, including the removal of a senior official. Students have said the protest was linked to a dispute involving their Head of Department and the university’s HR department.
According to accounts from protesting students, tensions had already been building over the dispute. The students were demanding action over what they described as unfair treatment of their HOD and were calling for his reinstatement.
The situation escalated when a uniformed man arrived at the protest along with a woman who was described as a university official. Videos circulating on social media show the man confronting students and appearing to hit one of them with an object resembling a stick. A physical altercation then broke out, with students surrounding the man.
Why Did The Firing Happen?
As the confrontation became more heated, the uniformed man pulled out a pistol and pointed it towards the crowd. The accompanying woman appears to try to stop him, after which he raises the weapon and fires into the air.
Students have alleged that the officer had initially pointed the weapon towards them before firing upwards. These claims, as well as the events immediately leading up to the firing, are subject to investigation.
Police officers eventually reached the scene, surrounded the man and escorted him away from the university. No confirmed reports of students being injured by the gunfire have emerged so far.
What Action Has Been Taken?
The uniformed official was taken into custody following the incident and is facing disciplinary proceedings under military law, according to sources. A senior Islamabad police official also addressed the students and assured them that strict action would be taken against the person involved.
Sources said the military’s disciplinary system would deal with the matter, with further action expected based on the findings of the inquiry.
The students eventually ended their protest after receiving assurances that action would be taken.
The incident has since drawn widespread attention after videos of the confrontation and firing circulated online. The university and relevant authorities have yet to provide a detailed public account of the entire dispute, meaning several allegations made by protesters remain to be independently established.
Sources: Dawn, Tribune
