QAU students continue strike as talks with administration fail

The ongoing strike at Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) continued Monday after negotiations between the university administration and protesting students failed to yield any breakthrough, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Talks were held involving the Vice Chancellor of QAU, the SP City, a magistrate and representatives of the students, but no agreement was reached, prompting students to announce the continuation of their protest.

The students are demanding the construction of new hostels, citing severe accommodation and welfare issues.

“There are no proper facilities in our hostels and even the medical centre lacks basic services,” said the chairman of the Pashtun Student Council while addressing the protesters.

Students demanded that either the university construct new hostels or the Capital Development Authority (CDA) build accommodation facilities outside the university to meet the growing needs of students. They warned that the strike would continue if their demands were not accepted.

Responding to reports of vandalism, the students denied involvement in puncturing the tyres of two or three buses, saying the act was not carried out by protesters.

They accused the university administration of spreading propaganda instead of raising students’ concerns before relevant authorities.

Calling for unity, the protesting students invited all students and university employees to support their cause.

They also urged stakeholders to raise their voice for increased funding for Quaid-e-Azam University, saying improved resources were essential to address longstanding infrastructure and facility-related issues.