PESHAWAR: Tensions rose at the Postgraduate Nursing College in Hayatabad, Peshawar on Monday after a student protest led to a standoff between college administration and demonstrators. Police also took several students into custody.
According to the College Principal, there were serious allegations against two male students for violating college rules and regulations. Both students were summoned to appear before an inquiry committee. The Principal stated that instead of appearing for the inquiry, the two students arrived at the office with other students, where they allegedly harassed faculty members, attempted to intimidate them, and tried to exert pressure.
She added that the students also demanded that the inquiry committee be dissolved and the complaints against them be withdrawn. She further said that the students later went to classrooms and allegedly forced female students to join the protest. She claimed college gates were locked and faculty members were confined.
Faculty members also supported the administration’s stance. They alleged that during the protest, students entered classrooms, made female students leave, overturned chairs, and misbehaved with them. As a result, academic activities were disrupted, and an atmosphere of fear prevailed in the college.
Police officials said action was taken after receiving a complaint from the college administration. According to the SP Hayatabad, two students were being shifted to the police station when other students tried to stop the police and resisted.
Following this, around five students and other named individuals were also taken into custody. Police said an FIR has been registered against the arrested students and legal proceedings have begun. The college administration will be provided full support and protection, they added.
In a statement circulating on social media, the students said they were holding a peaceful protest for their demands. However, police used a baton charge to disperse protesters and arrested several students. Videos shared on social media also allegedly show police personnel using force and shifting students into vehicles.
The students condemned the police action and demanded that senior authorities take notice and release their arrested colleagues. The protesters said issues should be resolved through dialogue instead of force and vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met.
The college administration rejected the students’ allegations, saying the matter only concerns an inquiry against two students and no action has been taken against other students. The administration stated that the purpose of the inquiry is to allow students to present their stance.
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