Pakistani university expels students over ‘anti-state slogans’

A Pakistani university has expelled four students after a video surfaced online showing them singing India’s national anthem and allegedly raising slogans deemed hostile to the state, prompting administrative action, officials confirmed.

Bacha Khan University, in Charsadda district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, expelled the students following a recommendation from its Disciplinary Committee, citing violations of university and hostel regulations.

The notification stated that the students’ actions were seen as an attempt to incite unrest and undermine national cohesion. The provost’s office described the sharing of the video on social media as unlawful and confirmed that the students’ hostel accommodations were cancelled, directing them to vacate immediately.

The expelled students were enrolled in the Department of Pharmacy.

According to sources, the incident occurred two days prior during a campus festival, but the university only launched a formal inquiry after the video went viral online. The footage sparked widespread online debate, prompting disciplinary action.

Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Khan Alam said he personally oversaw the inquiry, describing the matter as highly sensitive. “This was a serious issue. We took strict action because it violated university rules and involved concerns related to the state,” he said, adding that further investigation could follow. “If state institutions decide to take additional action, a formal case may also be registered.”

One of the expelled students later released a video statement defending his actions, saying the group had performed various songs for entertainment and that singing the anthem was not politically motivated.

“We have no sympathy whatsoever for India,” the student said. “India is our enemy country, and I am always ready to stand for my country, Pakistan.”