Three prominent universities in the federal capital were abruptly closed for an indefinite period, as revealed by sources within the educational institutions on Monday. The decision was reportedly made following a security sweep conducted by law enforcement agencies in the outskirts of Islamabad late Sunday.
Bahria University, Air University, and National Defence University administrations issued directives for the immediate closure, informing students late at night about the development. This sudden decision has not only disrupted the academic routine but has also impacted the ongoing final examinations of the students.
Security agencies cited heightened security measures in the federal capital due to both the upcoming elections and ongoing sit-ins by Baloch protesters at the press club. The closure, it seems, is a precautionary measure to avoid any potential security threats during this sensitive time.
Police sources confirmed the intensified security measures, emphasizing the need for vigilance in light of the protests and the forthcoming elections. The capital’s security concerns have been exacerbated by the recent remarks of Balochistan Caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai, who, in a press conference in Quetta, accused the Baloch demonstrators in Islamabad of having ulterior motives.
Achakzai claimed that those labeled as missing persons were, in fact, terrorists killed in Iran, referring to Pakistan’s strikes inside the neighboring country. He expressed concerns that the masked individuals participating in the sit-in could be affiliated with banned terrorist outfits, potentially posing a threat to the law and order situation.
The security situation in Pakistan has been a cause for alarm, with the Annual Security Report released by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) last month indicating a significant increase in violence-related fatalities and injuries. The report disclosed that Pakistan witnessed 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries in 2023, stemming from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations.
Among the casualties, nearly 1,000 were civilians and security forces personnel, marking a record six-year high and surpassing the levels observed in 2018. The country has experienced a worrying surge in violence for the third consecutive year, with each year since 2021 recording an uptick in incidents.
