The Vice Chancellor of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal survived what the university administration described as a violent and potentially fatal attack by activists of the Peoples Students Federation (PSF), after staff members intervened to protect him.
According to the university administration, PSF activists allegedly broke through doors and attacked the Vice Chancellor, while other administrative officers were also assaulted. The attackers reportedly used sticks and stones and damaged doors, windows and other government property.
The administration said PSF had sought permission to hold a political activity, including an oath-taking ceremony, on the university premises. However, the request was denied in view of the prevailing circumstances. Pakistan Peoples Party leaders subsequently met the Vice Chancellor and were informed about the administration’s decision.
Former federal minister Najmuddin Khan, Arifullah Khan, Shah Wali Khan, Israr Yousafzai, Nizamuddin and other PPP leaders later announced that the event would be held on the main road outside the university’s main gate. PSF workers gathered at the location, where the programme began and several elders delivered speeches.
The university administration said that after the programme, some PSF workers allegedly turned violent and rushed towards the administration block, where they attacked the Vice Chancellor and other administrative officials.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers entered the administration block, broke office doors and windows, verbally abused staff and used sticks and stones. They allegedly broke the door of the Vice Chancellor’s office and entered the room before attacking him with sticks.
Administrative officer Arshad Iqbal and other employees who were present in front of the Vice Chancellor reportedly shielded him with their bodies and helped protect him from the attack.
The university administration further claimed that police were informed promptly, but arrived approximately 32 minutes later, by which time the attackers had fled. According to the administration, calls were made to the DSP and Sheringal Police Station at 3:38 pm, while police reached the scene at around 4:10 pm. The administration questioned the delay despite repeated contact with the DPO Upper Dir and Sheringal Police Station.
The Vice Chancellor strongly condemned the incident, questioning how other employees and students could be expected to remain safe if a Grade-22 officer could be attacked so easily inside an educational institution.
He directed the Registrar and Director of Administration to immediately initiate strict legal proceedings over what he termed a terrorist-style attack and ensure that all those involved were brought to justice.
The university administration maintained that refusing permission for political activities on campus was a necessary decision given the prevailing security situation.
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