Student Unions Ecstatic At lifting of ban
* Say decision will strengthen democracy in Pakistan, will usher in new leaders
* Want student elections as soon as possible
By Adnan Lodhi
LAHORE: Student unions distributed sweets amongst students on Saturday following the speech by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani in which he announced lifting the ban on student unions in educational institutions.
Student leaders welcomed the restoration of student unions, saying it would promote leadership qualities on campuses.
Former Pakistani president Gen Ziaul Haq had banned student unions in educational institutions in 1984. Student politics in Pakistan has a history of mixed fortune. It also has a history of rich democratic tradition. Before Ziaul Haq banned student unions, their activities were conducted through regular annual elections in universities and colleges. Student parties that participated in these elections played an important role in looking after vital academic, cultural and political interests of students.
The National Students Federation (NSF), Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT), Muslim Student Federation (MSF), Anjuman Talaba Islamia (ATI), People’s Students Federation (PSF), Imamia Students Organisation (ISO), Mustafvi Students Movement (MSM) and the recently formed Insaaf Students Federation are among political groups active in student politics in Punjab. Although there was a ban on them, elements belonging to these groups were active in various capacities in educational institutions.
People’s Student Federation (PSF): PSF workers at the Punjab University, Forman Christian College University, University of Engineering and Technology, MAO College and a few technical colleges in distributed sweets and shouted slogans in favour of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government.
Ali Ammar, Punjab PSF information secretary, said that credit went to the PPP government for restoring student unions. Students from across Pakistan had demanded a lifting of the ban, he added.
He said, “We had promised students that the ban will be lifted and now it has. PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari will soon visit Lahore and the PSF will announce a special package for students.”
Muslim Students Federation (MSF): Hundreds of MSF workers celebrated in MAO College and distributed sweets amongst students.
Afzal Sultan Gujjar, MAO College MSF chairman, said that the decision was historical and important, as the country needed leaders. He said that the decision to lift the ban on student unions would strengthen democracy.
Sheikh Shahid Iqbal, MAO College MSF president, said that the role of student unions was very important in providing leaders to Pakistan. He said, “We struggled a lot for the restoration of unions and many workers sacrificed their lives for this moment.”
Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT): IJT workers distributed sweets amongst Punjab University students at the hostels.
IJT Nazim Attiqur Rehman said that dictatorship on campuses was over and students would take charge and improve their lives. He said that the IJT would celebrate the decision across the country from tomorrow (Sunday) to April 5.
Imamia Students Organisation (ISO): ISO workers praised the prime minister’s decision and distributed sweets at the Punjab University and University of Engineering and Technology hostels.
Pakistan ISO President Arif Hussain Qambri said that the organisation praised the decision and realised that now it was the responsibility of students to gather on one platform and work for each other’s welfare. He said student unions would set educational goals and abstain from getting embroiled in politics.
Students Action Committee (SAC): SAC, a body of students working for the restoration of the judiciary, also praised the prime minister’s decision.
Haleema, SAC communication adviser, said, “SAC members are spread across 21 universities in the city and each one of them has praised PM Gillani. We have always demanded restoring student unions and have been forcing students to work for Pakistan’s welfare.”
Muttahida Talaba Mahaz (MTM): MTM President Raheel Shah said that the decision to lift the ban on student unions was commendable. “The prime minister has provided us with the opportunity to grow in a democratic environment. We have called an MTM meeting for next week and have invited representatives of all student unions. We will formulate a policy and schedule for student elections and will make sure everyone works together.”
Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUSA): FAPUASA President Dr Mumtaz Ahmed Salik praised the decision, saying that the entire teaching community was happy. “Dictatorship tendencies in educational institutions are over forever. The government should announce the schedule for student elections. We oppose the policies of the Higher Education Commission in institutions and demand the prime minister restore employees who were fired after being implicated in plagiarism cases.”
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