Punjab University orders chicken inquiry

The University of the Punjab has launched an investigation after reports emerged that private chickens were being kept inside the government building of the Electrical Engineering Department

The University of the Punjab has launched an investigation after reports emerged that private chickens were being kept inside the government building of the Electrical Engineering Department. The university administration took notice of the matter and formed a high-level inquiry committee to determine the facts and identify those responsible.

According to university officials, the committee has been given two weeks to complete its investigation and submit recommendations to the Vice Chancellor. The panel will examine when, how many, and with whose permission the chickens were kept in the department’s building and surrounding areas, including lawns.

The inquiry committee will also determine whether the chickens were kept for academic, research, or personal purposes and whether prior approval was obtained from university authorities. It will investigate whether university employees were assigned duties related to caring for the chickens and whether official resources were used for their maintenance.

The committee will review allegations regarding the use of electricity, facilities, and other university resources for keeping the private animals. It will also assess whether the university suffered any financial loss and recommend action, including recovery of expenses from responsible individuals if violations are established.

The investigation will further examine whether students of the Electrical Engineering Department faced any inconvenience due to the presence of chickens on campus. Possible violations of university rules, financial regulations, and disciplinary policies will also be reviewed.

Earlier reports claimed that chickens were kept on the roof and lawn of the Electrical Engineering Department, where special enclosures were allegedly built. Reports also suggested that a fence costing around Rs500,000 was installed in the lawn, affecting students’ access to the main library route.

There were also allegations that university employees were assigned to look after the chickens and that official facilities, including cooling equipment, were used during extreme heat. The university spokesperson stated that permission had not been granted for keeping private chickens in the department and that the matter would be investigated.

The department’s director, Dr. Kamran Abid, reportedly stated that the chickens were kept to provide students with a natural environment and that more birds could be added in the future for the same purpose.

The inquiry committee will now collect evidence, review available records, and determine whether any administrative or financial violations occurred. Further action will be taken based on the committee’s findings.