By Umar Siddique
LAHORE: A protest by a student organisation at Punjab University on Wednesday turned tense after demonstrators blocked main roads outside the campus.
Police and university guards tried to stop the rally, but the protesters forced road closures, creating massive traffic jams.
Commuters, including office workers and students, were stuck for hours on the Campus Bridge of the Canal Road. Ambulances also faced delays, worsening the situation for citizens.
Protesters chanted slogans against the university administration and law enforcement agencies.
A spokesperson for the Jamiat student body claimed the protest was being held to demand the release of arrested members and reinstatement of expelled students.
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However, the Punjab University spokesperson stated that the expelled members were involved in various crimes, and their stay orders had already been dismissed by the courts.
He said the current administration had curbed extortion and other unlawful activities of the organisation.
He added that the group no longer enjoyed perks such as free meals from canteens or renting out hostel rooms.
The spokesperson further alleged that suspicious outsiders also participated in the rally.
Calling the demands baseless, he said the students’ organisation was solely responsible for the suffering of ordinary citizens.