LAHORE: In order to stop political activities on campus, the Punjab University (PU) has introduced a new policy binding all newcomers to sign an affidavit that they will not take part in politics and in case of violation they will be expelled.

The varsity administration under Vice-Chancellor Dr Zafar Mueen Nasir has taken the decision in the wake of a clash between two student groups - Islami Jamiat Tulaba and Pakhtun and Baloch organisation - over holding a cultural show last week that left at least 10 students injured.

According to a directive in this regard, “An undertaking on affidavit of Rs100 will be submitted by every student, countersigned by their father/guardian at the time of admission, in any discipline and programme.” In case a student is found involved in political activities he will be expelled.

However, this binding does not apply to the already enrolled students, a senior official told Dawn.

Condition not to apply to already enrolled students

“This step has been taken to clean the campus from student politics that often leads to violence,” he said. However, the varsity administration has yet to crack down on student groups effectively.

The administration also asked the teachers to play their role for creating a conducive environment by training students regarding the code of conduct and discipline of the university as well imparting in them the values of tolerance, patience and national harmony.

“Resident Officer-I and Chief Security Officer will define a comprehensive mechanism for vigilant surveillance of students/visitors and parking in the University.”

Besides, the administration has declared that no ethnic, political or sectarian students group would be allowed to hold any programme in the PU or on the hostel premises. “No political, social or religious personality can be invited by a department in any event without the written permission of the university administration. Any such event will be arranged by the respective department within the auditorium/lecture room of the department concerned to avoid any external interference,” it said, adding all necessary steps are being taken on an urgent basis to de-politicise the student wings in the university.

“No student faction with links to any political party will be allowed to operate on campus,” it said.

The administration further announced that no student faction would be allowed to install any admission stall during admissions process. “No slogans of any kind will be allowed on loudspeakers in any programme in any department of the varsity or its hostels.”

The varsity said no individual would be allowed to give any kind of interview/briefing to the media on any issue of the University. Any interaction with the media will be made through the university spokesperson or nominee by the University.

The chairman hall council, wardens and superintendents would be responsible to eliminate all illegal occupants in the hostels. “A list of legal students and illegal occupants must be prepared and be submitted to the Registrar Office through chairman hall council immediately. No guest of male students will be allowed to enter the hostel area.”

The administration also directed the heads of the teaching departments to provide a list of students who are involved in any kind of political, sectarian or inappropriate ethnic activities, along with photocopies of their admission forms.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2017