Police Action to Vacate QAU Hostels, 72 Students Arrested

News Desk 

Islamabad: In a joint operation on Tuesday, the Islamabad district administration and police vacated several hostels at Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), arresting 72 students allegedly residing illegally. 

The move follows repeated notices issued by the university administration regarding hostel closure for summer renovations.

According to university officials, hostels No. 6, 8, 9, and 11 were targeted in the early morning operation. Most students had vacated the premises following the university’s July 13 notice, which announced a temporary hostel closure for annual repair and maintenance.

However, some students reportedly defied the directive, prompting administrative action.

QAU spokesperson Nadeem Yasir stated that the Islamabad administration acted after the university’s deadline expired. “Despite repeated extensions, some students refused to vacate.

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The High Court also dismissed their petition, terming it an internal university matter under the Quaid-e-Azam University Act 1973,” he said.

University authorities emphasized that hostel closures are routine during summer vacations to ensure maintenance and prevent the presence of non-students, which they claim leads to security issues and affects space allocation for newly admitted students.

Students, however, contested the action. 

Dadullah Dumdar, Vice Chairman of the Pashtun Students Council, alleged that the police raid began around 2:30 am, resulting in the arrest of 72 students. “Our students have valid degrees until August 25 or September 1. 

Many are working on final submissions and projects,” he said.

He claimed that even regular students were arrested. “Every year, hostels undergo renovations during summer breaks, and students continue to reside there without issue. This time, the administration’s approach is unjust and condemnable,” he added.

Following the arrests, dozens of students protested outside the Secretariat police station, demanding the release of their peers. Tensions escalated as demonstrators attempted to enter the station by pushing the main gate, prompting police to increase security at the site.

QAU reiterated its commitment to providing a secure and disciplined academic environment while upholding institutional autonomy.