Gujrat, October 15, 2025 — The principal of Government Graduate College, Kharian, has been served a show-cause notice after a video went viral showing a flag bearing Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s picture hoisted atop the college building. The incident has sparked widespread debate on the propriety of using public educational institutions for political or personal promotion.
According to reports, the Director of Colleges, Shoaib Ashiq Butt, issued the notice, citing that the flag was installed without formal approval from the competent authority. The directive termed the act as a violation of administrative protocol, emphasizing that government institutions must remain politically neutral and free from personalized displays, even when related to serving officials.
The video, which circulated widely on social media platforms earlier this week, showed the Punjab CM’s image printed on a pink-colored flag fluttering over the college’s rooftop. It triggered a wave of criticism from citizens, students, and educationists who questioned whether state-run colleges should display such symbols. Many commentators argued that public buildings represent the state rather than individual officeholders, and therefore, political imagery of any kind compromises institutional neutrality.
Following the backlash, the Directorate of Colleges swiftly launched an internal inquiry, seeking a detailed explanation from the college administration. The show-cause notice directed the principal to submit a written response within three days, explaining the circumstances that led to the flag’s installation, who authorized it, and whether any political or administrative pressure was involved.
In the official correspondence, Director Shoaib Ashiq Butt stated, “Hoisting a flag bearing the image of any public figure on a government building without permission is an act beyond the scope of an officer’s authority. Such actions may lead to disciplinary proceedings under service rules.”
Meanwhile, college staff have claimed that the flag was temporarily raised as part of preparations for a local event celebrating government achievements under the Punjab administration. Some insiders suggested that it might have been intended as a “token of respect” during a student ceremony, though the decision was not cleared by higher authorities.
The issue has since drawn reactions from various political quarters. Opposition voices have called it an example of “personality-driven politics infiltrating educational institutions,” while government supporters dismissed the matter as “an overreaction to a symbolic gesture.”
The Punjab Higher Education Department has also taken notice and instructed regional directors to ensure that no portraits, banners, or flags depicting political leaders are displayed on state-owned colleges or universities without prior written approval. The move comes amid growing concerns about political symbolism in public-sector institutions.
Legal experts note that while there is no explicit ban on displaying a chief minister’s image within government premises, the lack of procedural authorization renders the act improper and subject to administrative scrutiny.
As the inquiry proceeds, education authorities have reiterated their commitment to upholding institutional decorum and maintaining a politically neutral environment in academic spaces. The principal, whose name has not been officially disclosed, faces possible administrative action depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
