A clash between Pashtun Students Federation (PSF) and Islami Jamiat Talba (IJT), two rival groups in Punjab University, on Tuesday left seven students injured. According to reports, the PSF was celebrating cultural day when a rival student group, IJT, arrived there. They protested and chanted slogans against them. Soon after, both the groups started raising slogans against each other, eventually leading to an all-out brawl.
As a result, seven members of Pashtun Students Federation (PSF) including two members of IJT sustained wounds. The injured were later shifted to the Jinnah hospital for medico-legal formalities.
The police rushed to the spot to control the situation which used tear gas shells to disperse agitated students. The Canal Road remained suspended for at least more than two hours due to the protest of PSF students which created worst traffic mess. They blocked the road and demanded the authorities concerned to arrest those who subjected them to violence against their lawful right of holding their event.
Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif took notice of the incident and sought a report from the CCPO Lahore. He stressed that action would be taken against those responsible as no one should be above the law. Ordering investigation into the incident, the chief minister said strict legal action will be taken against the elements behind the clash. He said clash in an institution is regrettable.
Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah also talked to the media. He said the cultural show was being held with PU administration's permission, but the IJT had issues with the activity being held so they tried to halt the proceedings. "Measures are being taken to make sure that the students involved in the disruption are held accountable," he added. He further said that police have been asked to inquire from the PU administration about who these people were and file a case against those involved in this 'ghastly' activity.
"Though Siraj-ul-Haq talks about fighting terrorism and implementation of National Action Plan, his people are involved in creating such disruptions," the provincial lawmaker said. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Fareed Paracha said that ethnic elements of Pashtun and Baloch organisations were involved in the clash. He denied the IJT's involvement.