ABBOTTABAD: Examinations at the Abbottabad University of Science and Technology (AUST) were abruptly cancelled on Friday after protests erupted over the killing of a student leader at the university’s main gate two days ago.

According to sources, the examination paper had already been distributed to students in several halls when the administration announced cancellation, which were later collected by invigilators.

The decision followed large-scale protests by students who gathered at the university gate, raising slogans against the police and university administration. The university subsequently announced its closure.

A student leader, Abdullah Khan, stated to be affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), was allegedly shot dead during a clash between two student groups. Two other students were reportedly injured in the incident. Witnesses claimed that armed suspects fled the scene after the shooting.

Students, relatives of the deceased and local residents staged a sit-in at the main university gate, demanding immediate arrest of the suspects.

Among those who joined the protest was Uzair Sher Khan, chairman of Havelian Tehsil, who expressed solidarity with the students. Addressing the gathering alongside the university registrar, he criticised what he termed a “biased attitude” by the police and warned that if the main accused reportedly including the son of a PTI MPA were not arrested within 24 hours, protesters would block the Silk Road and the Hazara Motorway.

The university registrar also addressed the protesters, stating that the administration would support calls for the arrest of those involved.

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2026