Controversy Erupts at Bacha Khan University in Charsadda Over Singing of Indian National Anthem

A video showing students at Bacha Khan University in Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, singing India’s national anthem “Jana Gana Mana” during a campus event has sparked widespread outrage and debate on social media in Pakistan.

The footage, recorded during a two-day expo or youth festival reportedly involving the pharmacy department, captures the anthem echoing loudly across the venue, accompanied by slogans such as “Jai Hind.” The clip, which surfaced around February 12-14, 2026, quickly went viral on platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

Social media users expressed strong criticism, accusing the participants of disrespect and calling for disciplinary measures against the students and university administration.

In response, the university’s disciplinary committee convened and expelled four students involved, according to reports circulating online. The students’ accommodations in university hostels were also canceled.

The incident has drawn attention due to the sensitive nature of India-Pakistan relations, with reactions ranging from condemnation to ironic or supportive commentary in some online circles. University officials have indicated they became aware of the event through media reports and are reviewing the matter.

Bacha Khan University, named after the Pashtun leader Abdul Ghaffar Khan also known as Frontier Gandhi, has previously been in the spotlight for other issues, but this marks a rare and highly controversial campus moment tied to cross-border symbolism.