Punjab University protest enters 30th day, movement to expand

LAHORE – The protest movement of teachers and employees of Punjab University intensified on its 30th consecutive day as the Punjab University Joint Action Committee organized a major peaceful demonstration at the Old Campus on Mall Road. The protesters demanded the acceptance of their legitimate demands and raised concerns over alleged financial and administrative irregularities, nepotism and favoritism.

The protesters carried banners and placards bearing slogans such as “Save Punjab University, Remove the Vice Chancellor,” “Conduct a Forensic Audit,” “Commercial Policy Not Acceptable” and “Punjab Government Must Take Notice of the Worsening Situation at Punjab University.”

Addressing the gathering, Joint Action Committee Chairman Professor Dr. Sardar Asghar Iqbal said that Punjab University was not the personal property of any individual or group but a national asset of Pakistan. He demanded impartial and transparent investigations into the alleged misuse of university resources and authority.

Joint Action Committee President Chaudhry Basharat Mahmood said that teachers and employees had been peacefully protesting for their legitimate rights for the past 30 days but the administration had yet to make meaningful progress towards resolving their demands.

Joint Action Committee Convenor Professor Dr. Kamran Abid demanded a complete and transparent forensic audit of all financial, administrative and development affairs of Punjab University. He said that if any irregularities were established, those responsible should be proceeded against in accordance with the law.

Secretary General Tayyab Aejaz Khan said that the purpose of the movement was not confrontation but the protection of Punjab University. He emphasized that the protest remained completely peaceful and within constitutional and legal bounds. He warned that if the demands were not addressed urgently and effectively, the Joint Action Committee would further expand the scope of its protest.

The Joint Action Committee welcomed the steps taken by Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan regarding the restoration of leave encashment and gratuity benefits under the previous procedure. The committee also expressed gratitude to the Speaker for highlighting the concerns of government employees.

Protest movement to be expanded

The Joint Action Committee announced that a protest rally would be taken out on Wednesday from I.E.R. Chowk followed by a peaceful sit-in outside the Vice Chancellor’s office. A motorcycle rally would also be held on Thursday.

The committee further announced that the protest would be extended to other Punjab University campuses including Gujranwala, Jhelum and Gujar Khan where teachers and employees would hold peaceful demonstrations in support of their legitimate demands.

The Joint Action Committee reaffirmed its resolve to continue its peaceful, constitutional and legal struggle until meaningful progress was made towards protecting Punjab University ensuring institutional transparency and securing the legitimate rights of teachers and employees.