ISLAMABAD: Students at Quaid-e-Azam University in Islamabad launched a strike on Wednesday to protest the delay in appointing a permanent vice-chancellor. The protest, led by the Qaideen Student Federation, resulted in the cancellation of scheduled examinations and a boycott of classes.
According to the student organization, the university administration has yet to appoint a permanent vice-chancellor despite the expiry of the acting vice-chancellor’s tenure. Students said the prolonged delay has created uncertainty and disrupted the institution’s academic environment.
The federation stated that the term of acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal ended on May 19, 2026. However, authorities have not announced a permanent replacement or extended the acting appointment.
As a result, students intensified their protest by refusing to attend classes and demanding immediate action from the relevant authorities. They argued that the continued administrative vacuum is affecting academic affairs and creating unnecessary difficulties for students.
Furthermore, the protesters claimed that ongoing uncertainty has increased mental stress among students. They said continuous administrative issues have negatively affected the learning environment and delayed important academic decisions.
The Qaideen Student Federation urged the government and university authorities to appoint a permanent vice-chancellor without further delay. Students maintained that stable leadership is essential for ensuring effective administration and maintaining academic standards.
Meanwhile, university examinations scheduled for Wednesday were cancelled following the strike call. The administration has not yet announced revised dates for the postponed exams.
Student leaders also warned that their protest will continue until their demands are fulfilled. They said the boycott of classes and other protest activities will remain in place unless authorities complete the appointment process for a permanent vice-chancellor.
The development has disrupted normal academic activities at Quaid-e-Azam University, with students awaiting an official response from the university administration and the government regarding the appointment of the institution’s next permanent vice-chancellor.
