Senator want to restore student unions

A Senate panel has decided to draft a resolution within two weeks regarding the revival of students unions in educational institutes. The resolution would also include the recommendations of senators. The Committee of the Whole of the Upper House was held in the Chairmanship of Mian Raza Rabbani to deliberate on a way forward for restoration of student bodies in academic establishments.

Rabbani remarked that the Supreme Court’s 1993 judgement prohibiting the formation of student unions does not bar the Senate to legislate on the issue. He said successive governments restricted the revival of traditional student politics and took shelter behind the verdict.

Participating in the discussion, Senator Farhatullah Babar stressed on examining all the aspects for the revival of student unions. He suggested legislation confined to the federal capital, asserting that it would set a precedent for the provinces to follow.

Senator Babar Awan was of the view that abolishing the basic academy of politics resulted in the incursion of industrialists in national and regional politics. He proposed a house resolution for its revival.

Senator Nehal Hashmi advocated for the restoration of such bodies while calling them an integral part of democratic norms.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed sketched the historical context of student politics and its role during the Pakistan movement.

Senator Kareem Khwaja suggested looking at such bodies in foreign countries and how democratic norms can flourish when student unions can support them.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2017.