Punjab University crisis deepens, governor orders independent inquiry

LAHORE: The ongoing administrative and academic controversy at Punjab University has taken a new turn after the Governor’s Secretariat Punjab forwarded a request for an independent inquiry into issues raised by the university’s Joint Action Committee (JAC), while teachers and non-teaching employees continue their protest on campus.

According to a notification issued on September 14, 2026, by Deputy Secretary (Univ-I) Saman Sherazi, the Governor’s Secretariat forwarded an application dated August 19, submitted by JAC Chairman Prof. Dr. Sardar Asghar Iqbal, to the Secretary of the Higher Education Department, Government of Punjab.

The application, titled “Request for Independent Inquiry and Remedial Action,” seeks an independent examination of the concerns raised by the Joint Action Committee and appropriate corrective measures under the applicable laws, rules and policies.

The development comes after the President of Pakistan had also taken notice of concerns relating to Punjab University, adding to scrutiny surrounding the institution’s affairs.

Officials familiar with the matter said the Higher Education Department would examine the issues raised in the JAC application and proceed in accordance with the relevant rules and legal framework.

Meanwhile, teachers and non-teaching employees of Punjab University have continued their protest, pressing for resolution of their longstanding demands and action on the issues highlighted by the Joint Action Committee.

The protesting employees maintain that their concerns require an independent and transparent inquiry and have indicated that the protest will continue until the requested inquiry is formally initiated and appropriate action is taken.

The continuing protest has also affected normal academic and administrative activities at the university, with developments expected as the Higher Education Department takes up the matter.