A serious outbreak of violence between student groups at Thal University Bhakkar plunged the campus into chaos, severely disrupting the academic atmosphere and raising major concerns over administrative oversight and security preparedness.
Campus Turns into Battlefield
According to sources, the violent incident involved dozens of students from the Commerce and Urdu departments. What began as an altercation rapidly escalated into a full-blown physical confrontation. Witnesses reported students openly exchanging punches and slaps, spreading panic throughout the university grounds.
The immediate consequence was the suspension of all classes and academic activities. Eyewitness accounts suggest the dispute was triggered when a student allegedly used inappropriate language towards a female student, which ignited anger among various student factions. The situation spiraled out of control within moments, with observers describing parts of the university as a "battlefield."
Administrative Failure and Public Outcry
The most alarming aspect for both students and staff was the reported duration of the clash, which continued for nearly two hours. During this extended period, it is alleged that the university administration and its security personnel failed to intervene effectively. No timely action was taken to defuse the tension or ensure student safety, highlighting what many are calling gross administrative negligence and weak campus monitoring.
In the aftermath, the university administration issued standard statements, but these were dismissed by students and parents as mere formalities. They expressed grave concerns, arguing that a robust security mechanism and prompt action could have prevented the incident. There are now urgent calls from the student body and parents for the Punjab Chief Minister and the Higher Education Department to take immediate notice of the serious lapse.
University's Response and Accusations
In an official statement, a spokesperson for Thal University Bhakkar presented a different perspective. The spokesperson described the event as a "minor incident" between two student groups that occurred a few days prior. The administration claims it took immediate notice and that the university's disciplinary committee conducted a thorough inquiry.
The spokesperson stated that appropriate punishments were awarded to the students found involved. Furthermore, the university accused certain social media pages and disruptive elements of exaggerating the event and spreading negative propaganda based on distorted facts, aiming to tarnish the institution's reputation and hinder its academic progress.
Reaffirming the university's stance, the spokesperson emphasized Thal University Bhakkar's commitment to providing quality education, promoting modern skills, and fostering a positive academic culture. The warning was clear: no leniency would be shown to those violating discipline or attempting to disturb the campus environment, with strict action promised according to university rules and national laws.
