A Senate sub-committee has voiced grave apprehension over a spiraling law and order crisis at Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), following police revelations of significant drug seizures and the arrest of dozens of illegal occupants, alumni, and students from the institution’s hostels.
The serious concerns were raised during a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges at Parliament House on Wednesday. Chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, the meeting was convened to review alleged derogatory remarks by Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal concerning senators’ observations on campus issues.
A Police Special Branch representative informed the panel about recent enforcement actions, detailing an FIR registered on July 29, 2025, at the Secretariat Police Station. The operation resulted in the apprehension of 43 individuals for disturbances and unlawful activities. The group included current students, alumni, and several unauthorized residents living in university accommodations.
The committee was told that authorities confiscated seven sticks and one iron rod during the raid. All detainees were presented before a court and subsequently sent to judicial custody.
The police report also highlighted a significant narcotics problem in the vicinity of the university. Officials disclosed that seven separate drug-related cases had been filed, leading to seven arrests. The seizures included substantial quantities of illicit substances: 5,420 grams of charas, 622 grams of ice, and 510 grams of heroin.
Briefing the committee, Acting Vice Chancellor Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal spoke of internal challenges, pointing to various ethnic student councils as sources of frequent disruption to academic life through transport blockades, classroom lockouts, and strikes. He emphasized that campus hostels are exclusively for enrolled students.
Expressing deep concern, Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan condemned the ‘unchecked activities of disruptive elements,’ stating they were tarnishing the institution’s reputation. Senator Saadia Abbasi added that the apparent lack of administrative control at the prestigious university was ‘deeply alarming.’
In response to the briefings, the sub-committee has mandated the Police Special Branch to provide a more detailed report at its next session. Furthermore, it resolved to summon the Inspector General of Police and the QAU Vice Chancellor for additional clarification.
The meeting concluded with a firm commitment from the committee to maintain continuous oversight, underscoring the Senate’s dedication to restoring discipline and academic sanctity at the university.