Punjab University teachers and employees staged a protest in Lahore on Wednesday. They demanded payment of outstanding dues and solutions to service-related issues.
The demonstration was organised by the Joint Action Committee. Representatives of the Punjab University Academic Staff Association also attended.
Members of the Punjab University Administrative and Technical Staff Association joined the protest. The protesters raised concerns about the university’s administrative and financial affairs.
Addressing the demonstrators, committee chairman Prof Dr Sardar Asghar Iqbal made several allegations. He claimed the vice chancellor was supporting a particular group within the university.
According to him, this situation was affecting the institution’s financial and administrative matters. The allegations were part of the protesters’ broader concerns.
Committee president Chaudhry Basharat Mahmood said the teachers and employees had protested peacefully for nearly 18 months. He claimed the university administration had not resolved their concerns.
Mahmood announced a two-hour daily pen-down strike by the protesters. He said participants would wear black armbands during the protest.
The committee also announced a protest rally every Wednesday. The campaign will continue until the protesters’ demands are accepted.
Mahmood warned of further action if the administration continued to ignore their demands. He said protesters could block Campus Bridge as part of the campaign.
He also mentioned possible demonstrations outside the Punjab chief minister’s office. Protests could also take place on GT Road near the university’s Gujranwala and Jhelum campuses.
The committee demanded immediate payment of all outstanding dues. It also called for the resolution of issues affecting teachers and other employees.
The protesters further demanded the removal of Director General Rehan Sadiq Sheikh. They accused him of misconduct and worsening the university’s administrative and financial situation.
The committee also called on the Punjab government to order a forensic audit. The proposed audit would cover the university’s financial and administrative affairs.
Several university teachers and representatives attended the demonstration. Prof Dr Abdul Rehman Khan Niazi was among those present.
Prof Dr Muqeet Javed and Dr Abrar Zafar also attended the protest. Prof Dr Kamran Mirza was another participant.
Tayyab Ijaz Khan Swati, Tanveer Awan and Hammad Butt also joined the demonstration. Azhar Iqbal Baloch and former association president Nasir Rehmat were also present.
The Joint Action Committee said its protest campaign would continue. It said the demonstrations would remain active until its demands were accepted.
The university administration had not immediately responded to the allegations. The protesters, meanwhile, urged authorities to address their concerns through formal action.
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The dispute highlights ongoing concerns raised by Punjab University teachers and employees over financial and service-related matters. Further developments are expected as the protest campaign continues.
