Web Desk: Students at Quaid-i-Azam University blocked the main entrance on Wednesday and called for the reinstatement of expelled students in upcoming examinations, while also demanding the immediate appointment of a permanent vice chancellor, as academic operations at one of Pakistan’s leading universities were disrupted.
Demonstrators gathered at the main gate of the federal university in Islamabad, preventing entry and exit as they escalated their protest. The student group announced a complete boycott of classes and said it would continue its agitation until the administration addressed their concerns.
Meanwhile, university authorities suspended examinations scheduled for the day, citing the ongoing disruption and deteriorating campus situation.
Separately, student representatives linked to the Qaideen Students Federation said they had initiated the protest campaign over the continued absence of a permanent vice chancellor.
They argued that Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Zafar Nawaz Jaspal’s extended tenure ended on May 19, 2026, and that the delay in appointing a permanent head had created administrative uncertainty across the institution.
As a result, they said academic management had been affected, examinations disrupted and student concerns left unresolved.
In addition to the leadership issue, protesters demanded that previously expelled students be permitted to sit for forthcoming examinations. They maintained that the decision to exclude them was unfair and required immediate review.
Furthermore, student leaders warned that both the class boycott and sit-in would continue until the university administration agreed to their demands.
University officials, along with police personnel, were expected to engage in talks with student representatives in an effort to restore normal operations and reopen access to the campus.
However, no formal breakthrough had been reported at the time of filing, and the situation remained tense as negotiations were anticipated.
The protest has already led to the cancellation of scheduled examinations and significant disruption to routine academic activities at Quaid-i-Azam University.
Officials said efforts were ongoing to stabilise the situation, while students insisted their agitation would persist until a permanent vice chancellor is appointed and their academic grievances are addressed.
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