On October 22, 2024, university security guards and Punjab University (PU) students clashed during a protest in Lahore Pakistan, injuring dozens of students and approximately 10 university security guards.

The Punjab University Student Federation (PUSF), an umbrella group for student organizations – including Pashtun, Baloch, Seraiki, and Punjabi students – organized the “Student Rights March” to make a number of demands, including the reversal of fee increases, student representation on harassment committees, and new student housing, among others.

As the chairman of the Pashtun Council was addressing protesters outside of PU’s Institute of Education and Research, university security guards attempted to grab his microphone and to disperse students. University personnel claimed that the speech being made was provocative, despite assurances from PUSF that speeches would not be. A PU spokesperson claimed that students then attacked security guards with glass bottles , sticks, and stones. However, video footage from the event shows security guards beating students with batons, causing them to retreat. Afterwards, students began to throw stones and glass bottles.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://www.dawn.com/news/1867001
https://voicepk.net/2024/10/clash-at-punjab-university-30-students-10-guards-injured/