Panic spread among students of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) on Wednesday following reports of a leopard allegedly entering the university campus, 24NewsHD TV reported.
According to sources, the animal was reportedly seen inside bushes within the university premises, triggering fear and concern among students.
Following the reports, the university administration immediately contacted the Wildlife Department and police to assess the situation.
In an official statement, an IIUI spokesperson said that reports of a suspected leopard sighting had been received and the verification process was currently underway.
The spokesperson added that a viral video circulating on social media is also being examined, noting that no final confirmation has been made so far.
“The safety of students is our top priority. Surveillance on campus has been enhanced, and all relevant authorities, including wildlife officials, have been put on alert,” the spokesperson said.
As a precautionary measure, hostel students have been advised to avoid going to forest and bushy areas within and around the campus until further notice.
The university administration has also urged students and the public to refrain from spreading unverified information, stressing that only official updates should be relied upon.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board stated that leopards are a natural species of Margalla Hills National Park and occasionally roam outside their habitat.
Wildlife officials explained that during nighttime, a leopard’s range of movement can extend between 20 to 30 square kilometres, depending on habitat conditions.
“Leopards have adapted to human presence to some extent, and responsible coexistence with humans is equally important,” wildlife officials said, adding that the situation is being closely monitored.
Authorities continue to assess the reports while maintaining heightened vigilance across the campus to ensure student safety.