LAHORE: The Punjab government’s fact-finding committee formed to probe into the clashes between Punjab University students and security guards concluded its proceedings on Wednesday.

The altercation, which occurred during the “Students Rights March” on Tuesday, left at least 30 students and 10 guards injured after they were allegedly assaulted by PU’s security personnel.

The committee held a meeting at the pro-Vice Chancellor’s office on Wednesday where they called the PU chief security officer, his staff, the security guards, students and teachers to record their statements. The committee also took the CCTV footage of the clash into its custody and is expected to release the inquiry report on Thursday. The students submitted their mobile phone footage, which showed the security guards attacking them.

One member of the fact-finding committee told Dawn that the proceedings were completed and the committee had recorded the statements of all the people involved in the incident at length. He said the committee would analyze the footage and draft the report to submit it to the government.

Five representatives from the Baloch, Pashtoon Education Development Movement, Seraiki and Punjabi councils were also called to record their statements before the committee.

Earlier, the government constituted a four-member fact-finding committee led by University of Sargodha Vice-Chancellor Dr Qaiser Abbas as convener to probe the clash between PU students and security guards. Other members include PU pro vice-chancellor Prof Khalid Mahmood, Higher Education Department Additional Secretary Muhammad Azam, and Deputy Secretary (Univ-I) Usman Ibrahim.

The committee was tasked with probing the incident, gathering factual details leading up to the clash, examining CCTV footage, and collecting relevant evidence. They were to record statements from concerned students as well as security staff, provide clear findings regarding the cause of the conflict that led to the clashes on campus, fix responsibility and recommend appropriate actions. They are to recommend future actions to avoid such incidents and create a conducive environment for learning and academic pursuits.

The committee was directed to start its proceedings immediately and submit its report within 48 hours.

In parallel, PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Muhammad Ali Shah formed a separate high-level committee, led by Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Khalid Mahmood, for an independent investigation into the violent outbreak. The investigation committee also includes four senior deans who will have the support of law enforcement agencies.

PU VC Prof Shah instructed the committee to determine the elements responsible for the incident within three days. He also directed the committee to ensure a transparent investigation.

The VC said strict action would be taken without discrimination in light of the committee’s recommendations. He stated that elements attempting to disturb the peaceful atmosphere on the campus would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2024