Controversial Book Fair: tension exists between IJT, Punjab University administration

Tension still exists between the Islami Jamiat Talba (IJT) and Punjab University administration on the controversial Book Fair. Punjab University's Students Adviser and Spokesman Dr Mujahid Ali Mansoori said the 'Kitab Mela' by the IJT was a fraud and an immoral activity.
He said in a press statement issued by the university's Public Relations Department that the decision to stop the fair and close the university for four days came after 10-hour long deliberations and contacts with law enforcers in a meeting of a special committee chaired by Professor Dr Iftikhar Baloch.
The Deans' Committee chaired by Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Azhar Ikram set up the special committee. On Tuesday, the IJT organised Kitab Mela on a footpath outside the university's Old Campus, in protest against the university's administration for disallowing the event inside the campus.
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, Hafiz Salman Butt, IJT Pakistan Nazim-e-Aala, Atiq ur Rehman and university Academic Staff Association President, Dr Mumtaz Ahmad Salik opened the fair on the foot path outside the Old Campus. Several students and other Jamiat office bearers were also present. A police contingent was also deployed.
Banners and placards inscribed with words against Punjab University administration and Chancellor were also fixed there to highlight Jamiat's protest against the varsity administration.
Speaking on the occasion Hafiz Salman Butt said that by banning academic activity like book fair and closing the university for this purpose, the PU administration and Chancellor have exposed their anti-education policies.
Rehman said steps being taken by the Chancellor were pointing towards Governor Rule in the province. He criticised the administration for not allowing the student organisation to hold the event despite restoration of student unions.
Meanwhile, police remained present at the New Campus while varsity employees and teaching faculty attended the university as the university was closed for students only.