MULTAN/ISLAMABAD: Students at Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture in Multan have launched protests following the tragic death of a female student, Manahil, who was involved in a motorcycle collision with a university bus.
The accident occurred on Monday, sparking tensions as students gathered outside the university, chanting slogans against the administration and expressing their frustration over the incident.
In response, the university has been closed for two days to mourn the student’s passing. A spokesperson for the university confirmed the closure, expressing deep sorrow over the loss and stating that the decision was made out of respect for Manahil.
The bus driver involved in the accident, identified as Amir, has been suspended while investigations continue.
As the protests intensify, students are demanding accountability from the university and the implementation of improved safety measures.
Manahil, a 5th-semester student of the Biochemistry Department, tragically lost her life after her motorcycle collided with the varsity bus, which was coming from the opposite direction. Rescue 1122 officials stated that the 21-year-old, daughter of Shaban from Doulat Gate, died at the scene after her motorcycle struck the bus and she was run over.
Shah Shams Police Station House Officer (SHO) Rao Mehtab confirmed that the police responded promptly to the incident. He added that Manahil’s father chose not to file a formal complaint with the police, though an investigation would be launched if a complaint is submitted.
Riaz Hiraj, the university’s spokesperson, stated that the accident occurred at 8:30 AM and that Manahil lost control of her motorcycle after seeing the bus from the other direction.
He mentioned that CCTV footage of the accident had been shown to her parents, and after viewing it, her father acknowledged that the bus driver was not at fault. Hiraj also noted that Manahil had been involved in a prior accident in the Cantt area just a month earlier, suffering severe injuries on the same motorcycle.
The university remained in a somber mood throughout the day following the accident.
