KARACHI, Feb 24: Ignoring Karachi University Vice Chancellor's directives, the Rangers deployed at the varsity have 'banned' the entry of public transport vehicles inside the campus from its main, Silver Jubilee, gate.

KU VC Dr Pirzada Qasim had yesterday asked the Rangers officials to set up their checkpoint at its previous place, near the Art Faculty, and allow public transport buses to enter the varsity campus for students' convenience.

The Rangers had set up their post at the Silver Jubilee gate, a few weeks back, after clashes had erupted at the campus between two rival student factions.

Currently, identity cards and passes of the students are being thoroughly checked by the Rangers and the KU watch and ward personnel at the varsity entrance, and due to stopping of the buses the students have to cover a long distance to reach their respective departments.

A KU official, confirming Rangers' independent move of stopping the public transport outside the varsity campus, informed PPI on Tuesday that according to the Rangers, in case of allowing buses inside the varsity, they would have to deploy three to four more men at the main gate.

"They (Rangers) argue that with setting up of another checkpoint inside the varsity, they will have to deploy some more personnel, which according to them, is not possible these days," he added.

According to him, in the new scenario, the students entering the varsity from the Silver Jubilee gate have to travel approximately over three kilometres on foot to reach their respective departments, in case they had to attend lectures at the Faculty of Science, HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, Dr AQ Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), Area Study Centre for Europe, Pharmacy Department, etc.

A large number of students, after the ban on transport, could be seen almost running towards their respective departments every morning in order to take their classes on time, he added. -PPI