The incident has triggered widespread criticism and protests online.

The confrontation took place as students were protesting over higher fees, departmental leadership and irregular class schedules.

Sources told NDTV that the university’s Head of Student Affairs, Dr Aina, arrived at the scene to pacify the protesting students. However, when some students refused to back down, she reportedly called her husband, an Army officer.

The officer, who was wearing his official uniform, was seen in purportedly viral social media videos allegedly striking students with a stick during the confrontation.

The situation escalated after students surrounded the officer. Footage appeared to show him firing shots into the air, Moneycontrol reported.

Police later escorted the officer out of the university premises.

“The Pakistan Army’s foremost priority is to maintain a strict system of discipline and ensure justice. Further action will be taken in light of the findings of the inquiry,” sources familiar with the matter told Dawn.

The incident has since triggered strong reactions on social media.

One user wrote: “What else these ‘rental gangsters’ of Army can do?”

Another commented: “It’s very clear from this video that this army thug was aggressive from the very beginning and had a loaded gun.”

A third user wrote: “Democracy died in Pakistan. Elite Army ruined the entire country.”