QAU students raise concerns over hostel facilities during Eid holidays

ISLAMABAD: Concerns continue to emerge over the situation in the hostels of Quaid-e-Azam University, particularly the Girls Hostel, during the ongoing Eid holidays, prompting calls for the Quaidian Students Federation (QSF) and other student bodies to engage with the university administration.

As the university observes Eid holidays, many students have already returned to their hometowns. However, a number of students, especially those from far-flung areas, remain in the hostels due to travel constraints and limited alternatives.

Reports from hostel residents indicate that students are being instructed to shift to another hostel, with overcrowding at H-13 cited as a key reason. Students have expressed concerns over abrupt administrative instructions, lack of clarity, and repeated directives, which they say are creating unnecessary pressure.

Students have also raised serious concerns regarding basic facilities. According to residents, food arrangements in the hostels have been significantly disrupted, with canteens and huts reportedly closed during the holiday period. Sources further claim that “almost all huts at QAU are closed and the hostel mess is also not functioning, leaving no alternative food arrangements except travelling to Barakahu.”

In addition, students allege that the administration has disconnected gas supply in the hostels, making it impossible for residents to cook their own meals. “The hostel gas has been turned off, so we cannot even prepare food ourselves,” a resident source stated.

These developments have intensified concerns about access to essential services for students who remain on campus during the holiday period.

Students and observers are now urging QSF and other representative bodies to immediately engage with the university administration to address the situation. They are calling for:

1. No forced or abrupt relocation of students without proper consultation and written justification
2. Restoration and continuity of essential hostel services, especially food and security
3. Transparent communication regarding any accommodation or utility adjustments
4. Protection of students who remain on campus due to genuine travel or financial constraints

It is also noted that QSF has previously played an active role in student advocacy, including during a 13-day protest movement, which is cited as evidence of its capacity for sustained negotiation and representation on student issues.

The PRO of Quaid-e-Azam University was also contacted for the university’s official position on the matter; however, no response was received until the filing of this report.

Stakeholders are urging immediate dialogue between student representatives and the university administration to ensure a fair and transparent resolution of the matter.

Students stress that they should not be left without basic facilities or clarity during the holiday period, particularly when many are already facing logistical and financial difficulties.

Furthermore, this is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.