The media has been covering investigation updates on the suicide bomber who killed Chinese teachers at the University of Karachi Tuesday, but the students are worried about one specific angle.

“The suicide bombing took place at a place which is usually busy,” said Aliza, referring to Safeet and Pharmacy canteens which are hangout spots. “Thank God it was Ramazan and most students had an early off. I can’t even imagine what the situation would have been like if it were any other way.”

The university is a second home for students, who spend most of their day on campus.

“We were at the department when we heard the blast. The whole department shook,” said Sana. “We were confused and trying to figure out what could it be when we saw smoke rising. We could tell it was near IBA.”

The news of the deaths of three Chinese faculty members came as a shock. “It’s so difficult to digest, I cannot stop thinking about it,” said Muhammad Areeb. “The faces of my Chinese teachers are constantly appearing in my mind.”

Panicked parents now want students to skip classes but the administration had already suspended all public dealing for Wednesday.

According to Zarish, speculation is swirling around about whether the bomber entered via the Sheikh Zayed gate in a rickshaw as this is not allowed. “How did that suicide bomber enter campus with a bomb in her bag and go unnoticed?”

Reaction: Militant group warns China of more deadly attacks

Student Fatima felt that they were worried not just for themselves but also for their friends and faculty members and the image of the university. “All of the students condemn the blast. However, such incidents tell us that the safety of the students and faculty members is compromised,” she said. “Some random stranger is allowed access and blatantly comes to a certain spot and blows herself up… is a big concern for everyone.”

The author is an intern