KARACHI: Driver detained; family declines legal actionGovernor, minister demand detailed investigation reports
A tragic accident at the University of Karachi (KU) claimed the life of a female student on Friday when she was struck by a university bus on campus, sparking protests and prompting the administration to order a formal inquiry.
The victim, Aniqa Saeed, a second-year student in the Department of Social Work, was reportedly disembarking from the bus when she was hit. She was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead on arrival, police confirmed.
Law enforcement officials said the bus driver has been taken into custody, though the victim’s family has chosen not to pursue legal proceedings.
Following the incident, students staged demonstrations inside the campus, demanding stricter safety protocols, better oversight of university transport, and accountability for negligence.
Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards Ismail Rahoo expressed deep sorrow over the student’s death and directed the vice chancellor (VC) to submit a detailed report. He assured that “those responsible will face strict action” and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori also took notice of the tragedy, ordering an immediate inquiry and asking for a comprehensive report from the KU administration.
In a statement, the university administration said the entire KU community was “deeply saddened by the loss of a bright and promising student.”
Vice Chancellor Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi personally visited the student’s family to offer condolences and announced full institutional support. He also suspended the bus driver and constituted a four-member investigation committee to probe the circumstances of the accident.
The committee — headed by Department of Criminology Chairperson Prof. Dr. Naima Saeed — includes the NED University’s transport in-charge and two students from the Department of Social Work. It has been tasked with preparing a detailed report and recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
