The University of the Punjab has launched a formal inquiry following reports that private chickens were being kept inside the Electrical Engineering Department building, prompting concerns over the possible misuse of government property and university resources.
According to university officials, a high-level inquiry committee has been given two weeks to investigate the matter and submit its findings to the Vice Chancellor.
The committee will determine when the chickens were brought onto campus, how many were kept, who authorised their presence, and whether prior approval was obtained from the university administration. Investigators will also examine whether the birds were kept for academic research, educational purposes, or personal use.
The inquiry will further assess whether any university employees were assigned duties related to caring for the chickens and whether official resources, including electricity, facilities, or maintenance staff, were used for their upkeep.
Officials will also investigate allegations that university funds and infrastructure were utilised for constructing enclosures for the birds. Reports claim that a fence worth approximately Rs500,000 was installed on the department’s lawn, affecting students’ access to the university’s main library.
In addition, the committee will evaluate whether students experienced any inconvenience due to the presence of the chickens and whether any financial, administrative, or disciplinary rules were violated. If misuse of public resources is established, the committee may recommend recovering the expenses from those found responsible.
Earlier reports also alleged that chickens were kept on the department’s roof and lawns, while university staff were reportedly assigned to care for them. It was further claimed that cooling equipment and other official facilities were used during periods of extreme heat.
A university spokesperson stated that no official permission had been granted to keep private chickens within the department.
Meanwhile, the department’s director, Dr. Kamran Abid, reportedly said the birds were introduced to provide students with a natural environment and suggested that more birds could be added in the future for similar purposes.
The inquiry committee will now review evidence, interview relevant officials, and examine university records before submitting recommendations. Further administrative or disciplinary action will depend on the committee’s findings.
