Crackdown on illegal occupants in PU hostels frees rooms for 600 students

Punjab University, in collaboration with local police, launched a major operation to evict illegal residents from its hostels in Lahore, freeing up space for 600 legitimate students, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

According to the university spokesperson, hundreds of unauthorised occupants were removed during the joint operation. The vacated space has already allowed the administration to allot hostel rooms to 300 morning students, with plans to accommodate 300 more students from remote areas soon.

The spokesperson stated that hostel offices are working even on weekends to process allotments for morning students. He added that illegal occupants had become a threat to campus peace, with alcohol and crystal meth ("ice") found in several rooms during the raids. The spokesperson claimed it was well-known which student organisations were responsible for these occupied rooms.

The unauthorised occupants were reportedly using inverter ACs, heaters, irons, and other high-power appliances, causing financial losses of millions of rupees annually to the university. In addition, due to their presence, PU had been deprived of Rs20 million annually in hostel dues.

Under the directive of Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Ali, the administration has taken indiscriminate action against all unlawful residents. 

The spokesperson accused student organisations of being upset due to the loss of their control over hostel rooms, which they previously rented out to non-students. These groups are now pressuring the administration to reaccommodate those expelled and to allot hostel space to evening students, the spokesperson alleged.

He clarified that evening students have never been entitled to hostel facilities, and no university in the world is obliged to provide hostels to all students. Hostel allotments are based on merit and capacity, and PU offers the most affordable accommodation, charging just Rs2,000 per month.

The administration reiterated its commitment to promoting healthy and positive activities and confirmed that police and university officials are taking legal action against troublemakers while ensuring fair hearings for those involved. The university emphasised its zero-tolerance policy for violations of merit and rule of law.

Reporter: Imran Younis