Tensions rose at Karachi University this week after violent clashes between Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT) and Sindhi Shagird Sath (SSS). The conflict left multiple students injured and raised concerns about recurring unrest on campus.
The Incident
Eyewitnesses said the confrontation began after an exchange of “aggressive stares” near the Arts Lobby. Soon, nearly two dozen students armed with sticks and batons attacked their rivals. Tyres were set ablaze, and motorcycles parked nearby were damaged.
One student, Faheem of IJT, sustained head and leg injuries. He managed to escape to the Arts Lobby, where staff sheltered him before escorting him to Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Iraqi’s office. The VC personally took him to the campus clinic for treatment.
Campus Security Advisor Salman Zubair confirmed the two groups had clashed a day earlier but had pledged not to fight again. Despite that truce, violence flared the next day, forcing a police presence on campus.
Rival Claims
According to IJT spokesperson Asadullah, his group had warned police and paramilitary forces in writing about the possibility of a clash. He claimed SSS students, supported by outsiders, attacked IJT members “from three directions.”
On the other hand, Advocate Shahid Hussain, representing SSS, alleged that his group members were also assaulted. “Three of our companions were injured at the admission camp,” he said, accusing the VC of showing bias toward IJT. He insisted that dialogue was the only way forward.
