QAU: Crackdown on hostel occupants, 60 students arrested

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad district administration launched an operation Tuesday morning to evacuate hostels at Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) after the expiry of the final deadline.

During the operation, police raided the hostels and arrested at least 60 students.

According to a circular issued by the university on July 8, a meeting chaired by the vice-chancellor decided that students must vacate hostels by July 13, 2025, to allow annual repair, maintenance, and renovation work during the summer break.

The QAU administration stated that most students complied and vacated the hostels. However, some remained despite repeated warnings from the university and the district administration.

This morning at 5:25 AM, Islamabad Police, in coordination with the university administration, raided the hostels.

Students claimed they were holding a peaceful protest against the cancellation of the summer semester and sudden end of summer vacations. They argued that the summer semester helps those struggling with exams and grades.

The administration, however, said the evacuation was necessary for cleaning and internal affairs.

Earlier, the Islamabad High Court also upheld the autonomy of the university under the Quaid-i-Azam University Act, 1973, dismissing the students’ petition challenging the university’s administrative actions.

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