LAHORE: Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT) activists on Tuesday allegedly vandalised the office of Dr Abdul Qayyum Chaudhry, Institute of Education and Research (IER) director at the Punjab University, following a dispute over the denial of permission to hold a political programme on campus.

The incident, captured on CCTV footage, shows IJT activists storming the director’s office, breaking windows, chairs, doors, and other office equipment.

According to sources, Dr Chaudhry asked IJT activists to fill out a proforma and adhere to strict standard operating procedures. The proforma included conditions such as barring students implicated in disciplinary cases from attending the event, holding the organizing committee responsible for any untoward incidents, and prohibiting non-student individuals from participating.

The IJT activists insisted on holding the programme without fulfilling the requirements. When Dr Chaudhry denied their request, the situation escalated. The activists allegedly threatened the director, used foul language, and proceeded to vandalize his office, causing significant damage to property.

A spokesperson for the Punjab University confirmed the incident, saying that some activists sustained injuries while vandalizing the office. “The university administration will take strict action against those involved in this act of vandalism, and a case will be registered against them,” the spokesperson said, emphasizing that such behavior would not be tolerated.

The IJT offers a contrasting account of the incident. IJT spokesperson Fasiur Rehman claimed that the students had approached Dr Chaudhry to seek permission for a welcome Ramazan programme but were allegedly attacked by the director.

He alleged that several students were injured in the altercation and demanded action against Dr Chaudhry within 24 hours or IJT activists would stage protests across the city, blocking all entry and exit points of the university.

The PU administration called the police to the scene that managed controlled the situation. However, IJT activists continued to protest outside the IER building, demanding justice for what they termed “unfair treatment.”

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2025