Turbat University, once a beacon of education and progress for the students of Balochistan, is now facing intense criticism for its unjustified actions against its own student-body. Over the past few days, the Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC) led a peaceful protest sit-in at the university campus, highlighting serious issues related to student harassment, profiling, and the oppressive actions taken by the administration. However, instead of addressing these genuine concerns, the university has opted for heavy-handed tactics, culminating in the suspension and rustication of several students.
The root cause of the protest began on March 12, when students gathered to challenge the decisions of the university’s disciplinary committee, which had taken action against students for organizing a book stall. The protest was a call for justice, demanding a review of the unfair treatment and to address the broader issue of harassment that Baloch students have been facing at campus. What followed was a demonstration of apathy and cruelty from the university administration. Despite the peaceful nature of the protest, not a single representative from the administration bothered to engage with the students or hear their grievances.
On the morning of March 13, students closed the gates of Administration Block in protest where it wasn’t until later in the day that a delegation from the administration came forward—but rather than resolving the matter, the students were met with threats and intimidation. University officials warned of serious consequences for the protesting students and attempted to pressurize them through the use of police and the Frontier Corps (FC), signaling a clear intent to stifle dissent through force.
The situation reached a new level of injustice when, later that evening, a statement was released on the university’s official page, declaring the suspension of five students (for one semester each) and the rustication of one. The statement also hinted that force would be used to end the protest if students did not comply. In addition, one of the students was falsely accused of various baseless charges. This move, which many see as an attempt to silence the voices of dissents, is indicative of the university’s deep-rooted hostility toward student activism and its desire to suppress any form of political expression in campus.
The unjust suspension and rustication of these students represent not just an attack on individual rights, but an effort to erase student politics from the educational landscape in Balochistan. It is a stark reminder of the growing trend across universities in the region to silence any form of opposition, suppress student movements, and curb the basic right to protest. The university administration’s actions are nothing short of an authoritarian attempt to ban political discourse in campus, an affront to the very principles of democracy and academic freedom.
However, this suppression cannot go unchallenged. The Baloch students have shown remarkable courage in their peaceful resistance, and it is imperative that the student body stands in solidarity with those who have been unjustly targeted. This moment calls for a collective response from all students, faculty, and concerned citizens to resist these oppressive measures and demand accountability from the administration.
Turbat University should be a place where students are encouraged to think critically, engage in free expression, and fight for their rights. Instead, it has now become a battleground for student rights, where intimidation and threats are being used to silence dissent. The university must understand that the voices of students cannot be muffled by unjust suspensions or the closure of administrative gates. Rather than continuing down a path of repression, the administration must engage in meaningful dialogue with the students, address their grievances, and work towards creating an inclusive, education-friendly environment.
To the students of Turbat University, this is a crucial moment. Your protest is not just about the suspension of a few students, it is about defending the right to education, free expression, and political participation. It is about preserving the integrity of your university and ensuring that future generations of students are not subjected to the same injustices. Stand together, resist the oppressive actions of the administration, and demand that your voices be heard. The fight for justice at Turbat University is far from over, and together, we can ensure that the spirit of resistance prevails.
