A gloomy mood has shrouded the University of Karachi following a second-year student who was on campus to die in an accident involving a campus bus on Monday morning, a case named Aniqa. The episode has caused mass outrage among student population who are currently conducting protests and insisting on immediate changes in the university transport system.

The Fatal Accident

As eyewitnesses put it, the accident happened at about 8:30 AM in the main transport stop in the university. Aniqa had reportedly been trying to board a moving bus, which is a common occurrence during peak hours due to overcrowding and lack of boarding procedures.

When she boarded the bus, she fell under its wheels as she slipped. Her fall went unnoticed by the bus driver who continued driving, running over her.

Students rushed to her immediately and took her to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC). She was declared dead on arrival, despite medical staff attempting to save her.

Negligence Revealed by Eyewitness Accounts

Several witnesses testified against the bus driver, claiming he was overspeeding and carelessly driving.

“We have moaned so much about bus drivers who drive recklessly, but nobody heard. Aniqa is paying the price of the university’s negligence today,” said one of her classmates who was present at the moment of the accident.

A few students disclosed that the buses usually do not come to a full stop to pick passengers, forcing students to board while the bus is in motion.

Who Was Aniqa?

Aniqa, a student of Malir, was enrolled in the Department of International Relations. Friends describe her as kind-hearted, soft-spoken, and full of dreams. She aspired to become an international diplomat and was the pride of her family.

Her death has left classmates in tears and her parents in unbearable grief.

Campus Erupts in Protest

Within hours of the incident, hundreds of students gathered to protest. They blocked campus transport routes, chanting slogans such as:

• “Justice for Aniqa!”

• “Negligence is murder!”

• “Fix KU Transport Now!”

Student unions and independent groups united, demanding immediate administrative action.

Administration Reacts — But Students Remain Skeptical

The University of Karachi administration released a brief statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy. A four-member inquiry committee has been formed, and the bus driver has reportedly been detained for questioning.

However, protesting students say that an inquiry alone is not enough.

Student Demands Systemic Reforms

Students submitted a list of demands to the administration:

• Strict enforcement of speed limits inside campus

• Properly organized bus stops with marked entry and exit points

• Surveillance cameras installed in all buses

• Medical emergency staff available on campus

• Financial compensation and an official apology to Aniqa’s family

They have warned of class boycotts if their demands are ignored.

A Pattern of Neglect?

Several students claim this is not the first such accident, yet the university has consistently failed to improve safety measures.

“We pay transport fees, yet we are treated like cargo. Aniqa’s death must be the last,” said a protest leader during the sit-in.

Conclusion: Will It Be a Turning Point?

The tragic death of Aniqa has exposed weaknesses in one of Pakistan’s largest universities and revealed a deeper issue of institutional negligence and irresponsibility.

As student protests continue, the pressure is now on the university administration and provincial authorities to ensure justice is served and preventive reforms are implemented.

For the grieving students chanting her name, one message is clear:

Aniqa’s death must not become just another headline — it must become the reason no student ever suffers this fate again.

FAQs

Who was Aniqa?

Aniqa was a second-year student at the University of Karachi, studying International Relations. She was from Malir, described as kind-hearted, ambitious, and soft-spoken, with dreams of becoming an international diplomat.

How did the accident happen?

Eyewitnesses reported that Aniqa slipped while trying to board a moving campus bus. She fell under its wheels, and the driver did not notice, leading to her death.

Was the bus driver at fault?

Several students and eyewitnesses claim that the bus driver was overspeeding and negligent. He has been detained by the university for questioning as part of the inquiry.

What measures are students demanding?

Students are demanding strict enforcement of speed limits, organized bus stops, cameras on buses, on-campus medical emergency staff, and monetary compensation with an official apology to Aniqa’s family.