It’s been nearly four decades since Gen Ziaul Haq banned student unions in Pakistan and the consequences of that decision have been far-reaching. The country is facing an economic crisis and a political meltdown, as leaders are more concerned with power and wealth than the well-being of the people. The lack of training and understanding of the diverse social and cultural realities in the country among our leaders has contributed to this state of affairs.
Student unions, however, have long been considered the ideal training ground for politicians. These unions would have provided the necessary skills and understanding to effectively lead the country and make it a more equitable society. But the ban imposed by Gen Zia, for fear of a progressive student movement, has remained in place for all these years, as political parties find it convenient to keep it that way.
Recently, the PPP government in Sindh passed a bill to restore student unions, but the process has hit a roadblock due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown. Even so, the law remains a dead letter as the necessary rules and regulations are yet to be framed to bring it into effect.
In the meantime, universities have continued to function, but the world has changed. The advent of neo-liberal economics has created a polarized society, making it a challenge for anyone seeking to create a more equal society. The restoration of student unions is more crucial now than ever before, as it provides a unique opportunity for the younger generation to participate in shaping the future of the country.
It’s time for the ban on student unions to be lifted, and for the next generation of leaders to be trained and equipped to bring about positive change in the country. Only then will the people of Pakistan see a brighter future and a more just society.
It’s a sad truth that today’s students in Pakistan are being denied the opportunity to grow and develop as future leaders. By denying them a platform to express themselves, our leaders are essentially turning a blind eye to the root cause of many of our country’s problems: a lack of competent and well-rounded leaders.
When student unions were banned, the door was closed on a valuable training ground for our future politicians. Unions provided a space where students could learn how to work together, negotiate and compromise, and understand the complexities of managing different interests. These are essential skills for anyone seeking to rule a country as diverse as Pakistan.
But the absence of student unions has also allowed negative and toxic forces to take hold in our universities. The lack of moderation and rational debate has allowed divisive and extremist ideologies to spread unchecked among students. This is a dangerous situation that could have long-term consequences for the country.
There are those who argue that student unions should be allowed to function freely, with no restrictions. Others believe that there should be some rational restrictions in place, such as a ban on hate speech, weapons on campus, and political parties meddling in student politics.
Fortunately, the Student Union Act that has been passed in Sindh contains several of these restrictions. But for the act to have any impact, it needs to be implemented. This means that rules need to be framed and put into effect, otherwise, the act will remain a dead letter.
In conclusion, it’s high time that our leaders take a closer look at the importance of student unions. By reviving them, they would not only be providing a valuable training ground for future politicians, but they would also be creating a space where students can develop their critical thinking skills, express themselves freely and work towards building a better and more inclusive society. It’s time to end this era of student unionlessness and let our students take the first step towards a brighter future. They say time and tide wait for no man, and in this case, it’s time for our leaders to act before it’s too late.
Read more:
