Dawn
the internet edition

Student killed in clash on Karachi University campus

By Our Staff Reporter
10 April 1999

KARACHI, April 9: A student was clubbed to death during a clash between two groups in Karachi University on Friday, resulting in an immediate suspension of classes which was followed by a flight by panic-stricken students in large numbers.

The teaching staff and students have held lax security measures as one of the major reasons behind the death and injuries in the clash.

Sindh governor Moinuddin Haider has ordered an inquiry and has directed senior police officials that all those involved should be arrested without any loss of time, saying "there could be no compromise on peace in educational institutions."

Widespread rumours had it that all educational institutions will remain closed on Saturday. Karachi University said that classes would remain suspended on Saturday and a condolence meeting would be held for the deceased. The provincial health department said there was no plan to close down Dow Medical College and Sindh Medical College on Saturday.

Kashif Iqbal, 19, a student of the statistics department and stated to be a member of Punjabi Students Association, was killed in the clash with the rival Islami Jamiat-i-Talaba (IJT) behind the examination department on the campus around 9am.

Besides, 22-year-old Nadeem Mughal, another PSA student, received serious injuries and was hospitalised. At least six other students, who included two office-bearers of Islami Jamiat Talaba, have so far been arrested.

Both groups have accused each other of initiating the clash. The IJT, in particular, accused the rangers of siding with its rivals.

According to university sources, scores of students fought with sticks and stones in which at least four students were injured. Kashif received two blows on the head. He was rushed to the university's clinic but he died on his way as a result of profuse bleeding. Another student, who was seriously injured, was admitted to a hospital.

Kashif's body was received by a number of students at the JPMC after post-mortem.

The police and the rangers questioned several students who they believed had witnessed the fighting,