Islamabad Police on Tuesday stated that they ‘shifted’ some students during an operation to clear Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) hostels, sparking widespread criticism.
Social media videos circulating early that day showed police outside the hostels, with reports of students being detained or removed, prompting outrage over the alleged arrest of over 70 students.
The police issued a statement confirming the action, noting that it was carried out at the request of QAU’s administration.
They stated that 11 hostels had been vacated, but four remained occupied by students who were allegedly staying illegally despite university orders. The police provided assistance to the university and security guards, and students who resisted were removed, with legal action to follow based on the administration’s written request.
QAU’s administration explained that the operation followed the expiration of a deadline to vacate hostels, which were temporarily closed from July 13, 2025, for annual maintenance and renovations during summer vacations. While most students complied, some remained despite repeated notices from the university and district administration.
The university noted that the Islamabad High Court had dismissed a student petition challenging the closure, affirming the institution’s autonomy under the Quaid-i-Azam University Act 1973. QAU reiterated its commitment to a safe and disciplined environment for students.
Human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari disputed the police’s claims, stating on X that the QAU vice chancellor denied requesting such action. She alleged that over 70 students were being held in “illegal detention” at the Secretariat police station without a first information report (FIR) and that authorities refused to share any FIR details.
Former senator Afrasiab Khattak called the police action “shameful,” noting that students were arrested for requesting to stay in hostels to prepare for exams.
He urged their immediate release and resolution through dialogue. Academic Dr. Taimur Rehman claimed the students were protesting for a summer semester, emphasizing they were detained for wanting to study.
Activist Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Junior criticized Pakistani universities for turning against students, highlighting the arrests as an attack on campus safety. Former human rights minister Dr. Shireen Mazari also condemned the incident in multiple X posts.
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