Punjab University spokesperson Dr Khurram Shehzad says university was currently witnessing a strong admissions response, with more than 85,000 applications received for various programmes by July 31
LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-August 1st, 2026) The Punjab University administration has rejected allegations made by two former sports students, describing the controversy as a dispute involving hostel discipline and selection for a university sports team rather than a case of suicide.
In a statement issued for journalists, Punjab University spokesperson Dr Khurram Shehzad said the university was currently witnessing a strong admissions response, with more than 85,000 applications received for various programmes by July 31.
He said the deadline for admissions was August 4.
The spokesperson alleged that certain elements were attempting to undermine the university’s reputation because of the strong response to its admissions campaign. He claimed that two former female sports students had recently been used by a particular network to issue statements against the university.
Dr Shehzad said the former students had made serious allegations but, according to the university, had not provided evidence to substantiate their claims. He further alleged that an attempt had been made to pressure or blackmail the university administration, adding that the institution had evidence in this regard.
He said faculty members, employees and female students of the university’s Department of Sports had submitted a written application to the cybercrime authorities against the two former students and those allegedly supporting them.
According to the university’s account, Sonia Farooq and Samra Bashir were involved in a dispute with a junior cricket player on July 3. Following a recommendation from the hostel superintendent, all three students were asked to return home and their hostel access was suspended pending an inquiry.
The university alleged that Farooq and Bashir refused to leave and subsequently entered the hostel without permission. It said another dispute involving the two students and other members of the cricket team occurred the following day, after which Samra contacted police through emergency services and a university security alert was issued.
The administration said two emergency meetings of the hostel inquiry committee were subsequently held over the weekend, after which orders were issued to close the girls’ sports hostel.
Regarding Farooq’s non-selection for the baseball team, the university attributed the decision to a disciplinary violation. It claimed that she had threatened to leave the university if she was not selected.
According to the administration, Farooq later requested the return of her original academic documents, and the request was approved. The university alleged that when she came to collect the documents, she was accompanied by Samra and other students and that they threatened to publish a video on Facebook claiming an attempt at suicide if Farooq was not included in the team.
The university said security personnel were called and Farooq subsequently left with her documents. Samra also collected her documents the following day and left the university.
The administration further claimed that Farooq was later seen in Islamabad with the University of Lahore team, while Punjab University went on to win the final.
Dr Shehzad said both former students had left Punjab University voluntarily and accused certain elements of using former students for ulterior motives. He said the university had evidence to support its position and condemned what he described as attempts to malign the institution.
