LOWER DIR: The administration of the University of Malakand on Friday urged social media activists and local politicians to stop ‘maligning’ the varsity following the death of a student in a road accident on May 30.

Speaking at a news conference at the Chakdara Press Club, UoM spokesman Mirajul Hameed Nasari and deputy provost Asif Imran alleged that some people were blaming that the ‘inappropriate’ behaviour of the UoM administration resulted in the death of Musa Khan, a student of journalism and mass communication department, which they said was unfounded.

The officials said Musa Khan along with his two friends, Ashraf Khan and Waqas Khan, was injured in a road accident on May 30. They said Musa was referred to a Peshawar hospital due to his critical condition, wherein he succumbed to injuries due to unavailability of a bed in the ICU of Hayatabad Medical Complex.

Responding to a question, Mr Nasari that on May 29, show-cause notices were issued to the three students, who spent the night in the university, and the next day they also submitted their response to the notices in the provost’s office.

Officials say Adenzai jirga making efforts to resolve issue

He clarified there was no restriction on freedom of expression and entertainment programmes in the university.

The deputy provost said the varsity had not banned Rabab and other cultural activities in the varsity. However, he said any activity was subject to permission.

The UoM officials requested the students to let the varsity complete the investigation, and also asked them to participate in the annual examinations. They said the matter was being politicised, and unfortunately students were being misled.

They pointed out that the varsity’s faculty, administration and security staff all had condoled the death of Musa Khan.

They criticised some elements propagating against the varsity on social media and said the practice would harm the process of teaching and learning at the varsity.

Meanwhile, the UoM students’ jirga rejected the varsity officials’ stance, and said the students would continue their protest until their demand regarding the removal of top varsity officials was accepted.

Meanwhile, Lower Dir deputy commissioner Wasil Khan visited the UoM and met Vice-Chancellor Prof Rashid Ahmad.

The VC briefed the official about the student’s death, the emerging situation and the students’ protest.

He said the Adenzai Qaumi Jirga, a body of elders, was making efforts to resolve the issue peacefully. He said the varsity administration was cooperating with the jirga.

VC Ahmad said the varsity planned to start its annual examinations from June 10.

DC Wasil Khan told the varsity administration that he would play an active role to help resolve the issue.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2024