Baloch Student Leader Challenges Suspension in Lahore High Court

Sadia Baloch, a Baloch student leader at Punjab University, has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court challenging her suspension. The petition claims the suspension, executed without proper procedure, violates constitutional rights. Baloch seeks court intervention to sit for her upcoming exams starting on Aug 22.

Sadia Baloch, a prominent Baloch student leader at Punjab University (PU), has taken legal action against her suspension by the university administration. She has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court challenging the suspension notice, which labeled her a 'miscreant student,' according to the Dawn.

Baloch, an LLB student at PU's University Law College, submitted her petition through Advocate Asad Jamal. The petition questions the authority of PU Acting Vice Chancellor Khalid Mahmood and head of security, retired Col Ubaid Masood, in suspending students without following due process. The petition argues these powers are restricted to the disciplinary committee and must adhere to procedural guidelines.

The petition also highlights that the head of security’s surveillance of students breaches constitutional rights under the Punjab University Act. Baloch contends the suspension notification was issued without her awareness, based on an undertaking required from all students at admission, which she claims is unconstitutional. Furthermore, the petition asserts that this undertaking infringes on freedoms of speech, association, and peaceful assembly, violating Article 10A of the Pakistani Constitution.

Baloch is seeking a court declaration against PU's undertaking and an order permitting her to sit for annual examinations starting August 22. The hearing for her petition is scheduled before Justice Shakil Ahmad of the Lahore High Court on August 19.

(ANI)