Private poultry farm allegedly operates inside Punjab University's department

By Zulernain Rana

LAHORE --  A controversy has erupted at Punjab University after allegations surfaced that a senior academic had been rearing private chickens within the official premises of the Department of Electrical Engineering, prompting the university administration to promise an inquiry into the matter.

According to allegations, the department's Director, Dr Kamran Abid, kept chickens on the department's rooftop and lawn, where specially constructed coops were reportedly installed. It is further claimed that around Rs500,000 was spent on fencing the lawn to protect the birds.

The fencing allegedly blocked a commonly used pedestrian route for students travelling to the university's main library, causing inconvenience to both male and female students.

Sources also alleged that government employees assigned to the department were tasked with caring for the privately owned chickens during official duty hours. During the recent heatwave, the birds were reportedly moved from the rooftop into a hall within the Electrical Engineering building.

The allegations further claim that government-installed air conditioners and air coolers were used to keep the chickens comfortable, while poultry feed was allegedly stored inside a classroom.

The issue has attracted additional attention as Dr Kamran Abid is reportedly among the candidates being considered for vice chancellor positions at the University of Sargodha and the University of Sahiwal.

Responding to the allegations, a spokesperson for University of the Punjab said no permission had been granted to keep private poultry within the Electrical Engineering Department and that the university would examine the matter.

Dr Kamran Abid, however, defended the initiative, saying the chickens had been introduced to provide students, particularly female students, with a more natural environment. He added that he intended to introduce more birds on the premises in the future as part of the same concept.

The university administration has yet to announce whether a formal investigation has been initiated or whether any disciplinary action will follow.