Three universities in Islamabad with ties to the military—National Defence University, Bahria University, and Air University—were closed down owing to security concerns, according to an unnamed Islamabad police official, amid the country's intersecting political, economic, and security affairs.
Bahria University students were informed of the closure by text message; the message also said that all staff and faculty members, with the exception of necessary security and administrative professionals, would be required to work remotely due to possible threats. The capital and the northwest area bordering Afghanistan are likely to have a heightened security presence ahead of the general election on February 8, which is accompanied by this development.
As Pakistan grapples with increased militant attacks targeting law enforcement, the closure of military-linked institutions underscores the security challenges the country faces. The rise in attacks along the border regions, particularly since the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan in 2021, has raised concerns, with accusations that Kabul provides a safe haven for militants. The forthcoming elections further contribute to the security focus, prompting the deployment of thousands of auxiliary security forces to ensure a secure electoral process.
In 2021, Pakistan witnessed a surge in casualties, reaching a six-year high, with over 1,500 civilians, security forces, and militants reported killed, according to the Center for Research and Security Studies based in Islamabad. The ongoing security situation has roots in historical incidents, such as the 2014 attack by the Pakistan Taliban on an army public school in Peshawar, resulting in the tragic loss of over 150 lives, predominantly children. This event marked a turning point, leading to a substantial military campaign against militants in the region.
As Pakistan approaches the upcoming elections, the closure of military-affiliated institutions highlights the multifaceted challenges the country confronts, emphasizing the need for robust security measures to ensure a safe and orderly electoral process.
