ISLAMABAD, Aug. 25, 2026: Islamabad police have launched an investigation into a confrontation between students and a lieutenant colonel at Sarhad University, after the military officer allegedly opened fire into the air during a dispute on campus.

The incident took place on Aug. 24, when the officer and several students reportedly became involved in a physical altercation. The incident was followed by protests outside the university, with students blocking traffic on the Grand Trunk Road. A federal police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the incident had been entered in the police daily register, a formal record that can provide the basis for further legal proceedings.

Police are also reviewing videos circulating on social media to establish what happened and identify those responsible. The videos have not been independently verified. According to police officials, the lieutenant colonel was taken into protective custody and later handed over to senior military authorities. He could face departmental proceedings over the incident. Military sources said the army's senior leadership had taken serious notice of the matter and that action would be taken if any violation of the law or military regulations was established.

Dispute reportedly began days earlier

Police said the confrontation was linked to an earlier dispute involving a university head of department and the officer's wife, who works as the university's human resources director. According to the initial police investigation, the woman had submitted a complaint against the head of department alleging harassment and threats. The university later intervened and the matter was settled between the parties. A university employee said an inquiry committee had also been formed to determine how the earlier dispute resurfaced and how students became involved.

According to university officials, students were protesting on Aug. 24 when the HR director arrived at the campus. The situation reportedly escalated after some students allegedly shouted at her. The university employee, Muhammad Nauman, said the officer arrived at the scene carrying a stick and allegedly struck some students. A physical confrontation subsequently broke out. Nauman alleged that the officer then fired shots into the air before leaving the area.

Students block major road

Police said officers were already present near the university because of the student protest. Assistant Inspector General of Police Hamza Humayun held talks with the protesters and assured them that action would be taken against those found responsible. Following the alleged firing, students left the university and blocked the Grand Trunk Road, disrupting traffic. Police later negotiated with the protesters as authorities worked to restore normal traffic and maintain order.

The university administration has also submitted a complaint to the relevant police station. Authorities said the investigation remains underway and that responsibility will be determined after reviewing available evidence, including video footage and witness accounts.