PESHAWAR – A protest by students at a private university in Hayatabad turned tense after security guards allegedly opened fire during a demonstration over hostel facilities, prompting police to intervene and detain three guards.
The incident took place at Iqra National University in Hayatabad, where students had gathered to raise concerns about hostel food and other basic facilities. Police later said the guards had fired into the air to disperse the protesters. No injuries were reported.
Why Were Peshawar University Students Protesting?
The Peshawar university students protest was reportedly linked to problems faced by students living in the university hostel.
Students raised concerns about the quality of food as well as the availability of basic facilities. Other reports citing students also mentioned electricity shortages and a lack of internet access at the hostel.
According to reports, students had previously approached university officials with their complaints. The students alleged that their concerns were not adequately addressed, after which the demonstration took place.
The precise sequence of events leading to the firing remains subject to investigation.
Security Guards Allegedly Open Fire
The situation escalated when security personnel allegedly opened fire during the student demonstration.
Police said the guards fired aerial shots to disperse the protesting students rather than firing directly at them. Authorities said no student was injured and the protesters subsequently dispersed.
The incident nevertheless caused alarm among students and raised concerns about the use of firearms during a university protest.
Police Detain Three Security Guards
Police reached the university after receiving information about the incident and took action against the security personnel.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, police arrested three security guards and recovered three Kalashnikov rifles from them. The weapons were taken into police custody as the investigation continued.
Police said strict legal action would be taken against those responsible and that security at educational institutions would not be compromised.
What Happened After The Firing?
Following the intervention by police, the situation at the university was brought under control.
The protesting students dispersed, while authorities began examining the circumstances surrounding the firing and the grievances that prompted the demonstration.
A separate report said a committee was also formed to examine the students’ complaints and work toward addressing the issues raised by them.
The allegations made by students regarding the conduct of university officials, including claims about how their complaints were handled, remain allegations and have not been independently established.
Student Safety Raises Questions
The incident has put renewed attention on how universities handle student grievances and campus protests.
Students living in university hostels depend on administrations for basic necessities such as food, electricity, internet access and safe accommodation. When complaints over those issues escalate into confrontation, universities face the challenge of protecting campus safety while also providing students with a meaningful channel to raise concerns.
In this case, the police response and subsequent investigation will be important in establishing what happened during the protest and whether the use of firearms complied with applicable rules.
For now, police have confirmed that the situation is under control, no injuries were reported and the guards involved have been taken into custody.
Key Points:
- Students at a private university in Hayatabad protested over hostel food and basic facilities.
- Security guards allegedly fired shots during the demonstration.
- Police said the guards fired into the air to disperse students.
- No injuries or deaths were reported.
- Three security guards were detained by police.
- Three Kalashnikov rifles were reportedly recovered from the guards.
- Police said legal action would be taken against those responsible.
- The circumstances surrounding the incident and students’ complaints remain under investigation.
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