CHARSADDA: The Bacha Khan University (BKU), Charsadda, which was closed in the aftermath of militant attack on Jan 20, will reopen on Monday (Feb 15). As many as 21 students were killed in the attack.

The decision to reopen the varsity was taken in a meeting of BKU’s security review committee which was held at its campus here on Friday with vice-chancellor Fazal Rahim Marwat in the chair. DPO Suhail Kahlid, DSP Raza Mohammad Khan and university’s director administration Dr Shakil and other officials attended the meeting.

Later, the varsity’s spokesman, Saeed Khan, told media persons that after thorough deliberation the meeting decided to resume academic activities in the university from Feb 15. However, the university’s transport would not be available for the time being and the students and staff would make their own transport arrangements.

The spokesman said that several meetings were held to review the security situation. He said that the DPO and other police officials after thorough checking of various blocks gave clearance for reopening the varsity.

Dr Shakil told Dawn that the university’s administration had made foolproof security arrangements, adding that CCTV cameras had been installed, boundary wall raised to the required height and number of security guards increased from 54 to 84. He said that recruitment of 30 more guards was underway.

He said that peaceful security environment would be provided to the students where they could continue their education without any fear.

The DPO told Dawn that the security review committee was satisfied with the security measures taken by the university administration. He said that 10 policemen would be stationed on the university premises while four lady constables would be tasked to keep vigil on females’ movement. Besides, a mobile van will patrol outside the university for 24 hours to keep check on suspicious people.

He said that additional police force would be deployed on the link road near the campus.

Students action committee president Adnan Miankhel has, meanwhile, welcomed the reopening of the university.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2016