Punjab University teachers, staff vow to expand protest movement
The protesters were demanding resolution of their legitimate grievances and raising concerns over alleged financial and administrative irregularities, nepotism and favoritism.
Demands of protesters
The protesters carried banners and placards inscribed with slogans including “Save Punjab University, Remove Vice-Chancellor,” “Conduct Forensic Audit,” “Commercial Policy Not Acceptable,” and “Punjab Government Must Take Notice of the Worsening Situation at Punjab University.”
Addressing the protesters, Professor Dr. Sardar Asghar Iqbal, Chairman of the Joint Action Committee, said Punjab University was not the private property of any individual or group but a national asset of Pakistan. He called for impartial and transparent investigations into the alleged misuse of university resources and authority.
Chaudhry Basharat Mahmood, President of the Joint Action Committee, said teachers and employees had been continuing their peaceful protest for their legitimate rights for 30 days, but the administration had yet to make meaningful progress towards resolving their demands.
Professor Dr. Kamran Aabed, Convenor of the Joint Action Committee, demanded a complete and transparent forensic audit of all financial, administrative and development affairs of Punjab University. He said that if any irregularities were established, those responsible should be proceeded against in accordance with law.
Secretary General Tayyab Aejaz Khan said the purpose of the movement was not confrontation but the protection of Punjab University. He emphasized that the protest remained completely peaceful and within constitutional and legal bounds. He warned that if the demands were not addressed urgently and effectively, the Joint Action Committee would expand the scope of its agitation.
The Joint Action Committee welcomed the steps taken by Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan regarding restoration of leave encashment and gratuity benefits under the previous procedure. The committee expressed gratitude to the Speaker for raising the concerns of government employees.
Protest movement to be expanded
The Joint Action Committee announced that a protest rally would be taken out on Wednesday from I.E.R. Chowk, followed by a peaceful sit-in outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office. A motorcycle rally would be held on Thursday.
The committee further announced that the protest would be extended to other Punjab University campuses, including Gujranwala, Jhelum and Gujjar Khan, where teachers and employees would stage peaceful demonstrations in support of their legitimate demands.
The Joint Action Committee reaffirmed its resolve to continue its peaceful, constitutional and legal struggle until meaningful progress was made towards protecting Punjab University, ensuring institutional transparency and securing the legitimate rights of teachers and employees.
