Quaid-i-Azam University is once again in crisis. With midterm examinations scheduled this week, the administration has issued a firm notification: classes will continue, and exams will be held. The Academic Staff Association has publicly backed this decision. Yet, familiarly, a small but organised group of students has blocked transport at the main “Point”, attempted to shut departmental gates, and disrupted normal campus life. What is being presented as a cultural grievance is, in reality, a confrontation over the enforcement of basic university rules.

The immediate trigger is straightforward. The university, facing a severe financial crisis, required students to complete course registration and clear dues before appearing in exams. This is a standard academic requirement. However, a segment of students—many residing in hostels but not formally registered or not paying fees—mobilised under ethnic councils and the umbrella of the Quaidian Students Federation (QSF). The Mehran Council took the lead, quickly joined by others. The protests escalated to physical obstruction of university operations, including the reported manhandling of a female head of department when faculty resisted the forced closure of academic spaces.

The claim that Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Zafar N. Jaspal disrespected a cultural symbol has been used to mobilise sentiment. The facts indicate otherwise: he intervened to protect faculty and restore order. The episode reflects a recurring pattern—administrative enforcement is reframed as grievance, and grievance is used to justify disruption.

This is not an isolated incident. It is the continuation of a decade-long cycle. Violent clashes between ethnic student councils have repeatedly led to injuries, damage to property, and complete campus shutdowns. In 2023, clashes between student groups resulted in over two dozen........

© The Friday Times