Islamabad police conducted an early morning raid at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) hostels on Tuesday, arresting dozens of students following a complaint from the university administration. According to officials, hostels 6, 8, 9, and 11 were completely vacated, with 55 to 60 students detained and shifted to the Secretariat Police Station. The university claimed the action was taken after repeated warnings to students to vacate the hostels by July 13 for summer maintenance work.
The administration stated that while most students had already left, some refused to comply despite multiple deadlines. Islamabad police said they provided “legal assistance” at the university’s request, as four hostels were allegedly occupied illegally. Students who resisted the eviction were removed, and further legal action will proceed based on the administration’s written complaint. However, human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir disputed the figures, claiming 72 students were detained.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated as students protested the crackdown, leading to the Vice Chancellor’s office being locked. The university administration cited security concerns, stating, “The VC Secretariat has been closed due to the student protest.” Mazari-Hazir, speaking outside the police station, said efforts were underway to meet the Vice Chancellor and resolve the issue. Critics have questioned the heavy-handed police intervention, calling for dialogue instead of forced evictions.
The incident has sparked debate over student rights and administrative policies, with many demanding transparency in the university’s hostel management. While the administration insists the evictions were necessary for maintenance, students allege unfair treatment. As legal proceedings begin, the situation remains tense, with activists and student groups calling for the immediate release of detained scholars and a fair resolution to the dispute.