A tragic incident occurred at the University of Karachi on Friday when a female student, identified as Aniqa Saeed, was fatally struck by a university bus inside the campus.
According to police, Saeed was a second-year student from the Department of Social Work. The accident happened when she was getting off the university bus. She was immediately taken to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries before arrival.
The bus driver was detained shortly after the incident. However, the victim’s family declined to pursue legal action against him.
Protests Erupt Across Campus
The heartbreaking event triggered widespread grief and anger among students. They gathered in large numbers to protest against the administration, demanding better transport safety measures and accountability.
Students blocked sections of the campus road, calling for the university to enforce strict safety regulations for buses operating inside the premises. Many urged the administration to establish proper safety protocols and provide trained drivers for student transport services.
One protestor stated that students had previously complained about unsafe transport conditions but no action was taken. The tragic death, they said, reflected systemic negligence.
Government Officials Demand Inquiry
Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards, Ismail Rahoo, expressed deep sorrow over the student’s death. He termed the accident a “deeply unfortunate incident” and directed the University of Karachi’s Vice Chancellor to submit a detailed report.
Rahoo assured that all those found responsible would face strict disciplinary action. He also offered condolences to the grieving family and pledged that reforms would be introduced to prevent such incidents in the future.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori also took notice of the tragedy. He ordered a comprehensive inquiry and asked the police to assist the university in investigating the cause of the accident. The governor extended heartfelt condolences to the family, promising that the findings of the inquiry would be made public.
University Administration Responds
In an official statement, the University of Karachi administration expressed profound grief over the loss of a promising young student. Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi suspended the bus driver and visited the bereaved family to offer condolences.
He also established a four-member investigation committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident. The committee is headed by Professor Dr. Naima Saeed, Chairperson of the Department of Criminology, and includes NED University’s transport in-charge along with two students from the Department of Social Work.
The inquiry panel has been tasked with submitting a detailed report to the vice chancellor. Based on its findings, the university will introduce preventive safety measures to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
