Punjab University has suspended Sadia Baloch, a law student and Baloch activist from Dera Ghazi Khan.
Sadia Baloch shared the news of her suspension on social media, stating that Punjab University, Lahore, has issued suspension orders against her. The allegations claim that she, along with other disruptive students, used the university platform to corrupt students’ minds against state institutions, severely damaging the reputation and integrity of the educational institution.
She mentioned that the notice was deliberately issued for a protest that took place two months ago, with the issuance date listed as June 14, while she received the letter on August 12, 2024, when she personally went to check for it. Prior to this, no charge sheet had been issued to her, making it clear that it was deliberately backdated after her participation in the ‘Baloch Raaji Muchi’ (Baloch National Gathering) event.
She said this shows that not only is the State targeting the participants of the ‘Baloch Raaji Muchi’ event through its forces and authorities, but educational institutions are also not sparing Baloch students from punishment for peaceful politics.
Meanwhile, condemnations poured in against the university’s action. Many Baloch student circles and rights activists, including renowned Pakistani journalists, criticized Sadia Baloch’s suspension.
Journalist Hamid Mir said in a post on X, “it’s not less than a gold medal for @sadiabalochssb who is suspended by Punjab University without any charge sheet”.
Today Punjab University students need to stand up against injustice with a Baloch student, Mir stated.
Another well known journalist, Veengas posted on X saying that Punjab University has harassed a Baloch young woman, Sadia Baloch by issuing her suspension order just a week before her exams. Veengas asked, “What is her crime? Being a voice for her people.”
Sadia Baloch further stated that being a female Baloch student, the inappropriate language and words used against her raise questions about the so-called discipline and values of the institution. This deliberate attempt, a week before her annual exams, is an effort to damage her academic career and is a heinous attack on her personal and moral character. The institution should follow the State-signed negotiations with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). Punjab University should revoke the suspension letter and withdraw its baseless allegations, Ms Baloch concluded.