LAHORE - Noted lawyer Asma Jahangir Saturday demanded immediate release of 190 students detained over violent clash at Punjab University.

Addressing a press conference at Lahore Press Club, Asma Jahangir criticized the government for booking students under terrorism charges and ‘inciting clashes’ in the city. Hussain Naqi, Bushra Khalid and many others were also present there o the occasion.   “We also studied there but we never even thought to know that who was Sunni and who was Shia,” Asma said, adding that that such environment could not be conducive for study and was equal to destroying the lives and future of thousands of students.  She slammed the incumbent vice-chancellor of the varsity, demanding the government for his immediate removal from the office. He was ineligible to look after the affairs of the great historic institution, she said. 

PU rejects Asma’s claims

Punjab University has rejected the claims of noted lawyer Asma Jahangir wherein she cited PU VC as saying ‘students would be sent to the mountains’.

In his press statement, the PU spokesman said the VC has not given such a statement at any forum.

The statement read: “Asma Jahangir is Pakistan’s renowned human rights activist and well-respected senior lawyer and she is requested not to believe in rumours. The PU administration assures that action will be taken against the culprits and biased attitude towards any group would not be adopted by the administration.”

The PU spokesman said propaganda was being done the social media. Therefore, he said, politicians and civil society activists are requested to confirm any rumours first before giving any reaction and statements.