LAHORE: The Punjab University administration on Thursday suspended 10 students for their alleged role in on-campus violence on March 21.

The suspension means they can’t enter their departments.

“Abdur Rehman and Saimullah of Institute of Geology, Usman Rang Elahi of Hailey College of Commerce, Muhammad Azeem Qureshi of Islamic Studies, Hidayatullah and Bahadur Khan of the Institute of Biochemistry, Usama bin Shafaat of Department of Space Science, Abdul Baseer and Naqeebullah of Sheikh Zayed Islamic Center and Waleed Mansoor of University Law College [allegedly] violated university rules and created a law and order situation on the campus. They have been given seven days to reply to the charge sheet,” PU spokesman Khuram Shahzad said in a statement.

He said a phase-wise disciplinary action against the students involved in on-campus violence had been initiated.

“After their identification action was taken against 17 students initially,” he said, adding the details of some seven ‘outsiders’ involved in violence had also been provided to police for further action.

The spokesman said the administration would implement recommendations of the inquiry committee.

On March 21, a clash had taken place between the members of Islami Jamiat Tulba and Pakhtun students over the issue of holding a cultural function. Following the incident police had arrested over 20 students and booked 200 unknown persons.

Most of the expelled students reportedly belong to the IJT.

BAN FLOUTED: Some PU students on Thursday took out a rally in violation of the ban on holding any on-campus function.

A PU spokesman said a few students had gathered to protest against the US missile attack on Syria. “Notices have been issued to the participating students on violation of discipline,” he said.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2017