Sindh Assembly. PHOTO: ONLINE
The resolution was moved by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MPA Sattar Rajpar. “The unions which give students a platform to enter politics were banned by dictator General Ziaul Haq in 1979 on the grounds that they contribute to violence on campuses,” he said. “Students are now deprived of this democratic right. We demand the provincial and federal governments revive the unions which played an important role in the country’s politics,” said Rajpar who was once a student leader himself.
All parliamentary parties in the assembly endorsed the resolution. Faisal Subzwari of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) said it was a wrong perception that student unions caused violence in politics. Despite the ban, violence in politics still persists, he said. “These unions play the role of training schools, giving an opportunity to youngsters to interact in political terms, cooperate with each other and learn tolerance,” he explained.
Discussing the issue, lawmakers referred to the role of the student movement in the creation of Pakistan and said that the unions would also deal with issues like arbitrary raises in fee, harassment and missing facilities.
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PPP MPA Khairunisa Mughal was of the view that the ban was imposed to discourage the new generation from entering politics. “Student unions are nurseries that produce political leaders. This was meant to distance them from politics,” she said.
MPA Saeed Ghani said with the ban on student and trade unions, the true democratic culture in politics was vandalised, leading to extremism in the country. “It is high time to revive the student unions in order for democracy to flourish,” he said. “After the 18th Amendment, the provincial government has the mandate to make decisions. I think we should not wait for the federal government and lift the ban ourselves,” he suggested.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Samar Ali Khan supported the resolution but said, “Students are politicised to further the agenda of particular parties, which is not a good omen”. We should keep them separated from our own vested interests, he suggested, adding that politicians should also discourage students from indulging in ethnic politics. Khursheed Junejo, Javed Nagori, Owais Qadir and Imdad Pitafi also spoke on the resolution, which was adopted unanimously.
No room to speak
Some opposition members protesting against Deputy Speaker Shehla Raza’s conduct in running session threated to bring a no-confidence motion against her. The House witnessed pandemonium when Raza exchanged heated words with a few opposition members by not allowing them to speak.
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When the members insisted on speaking, Raza lost her temper and warned them to sit down or face the consequences.
Tension prevailed in the House when Pakistan Muslim League - Functional (PML-F) MPA Nurast Seher Abbasi diverted Raza’s attention towards outdated questions on the agenda. “I submitted this question around three years ago but it is on the agenda today. Our exercise of moving questions fizzles out when answers are given after three years,” Abbasi complained, adding that a number of times she has raised this issue but no one heeded it.
“Now, I am protesting and staging a walkout against it,” she said, while leaving the house. Parliamentary Minister Nisar Ahmed Khuhro stood up at his seat and said, “It is better if Nursat listens to the answers of her questions”. Raza, however, defended herself by saying no other member had issues like Abbasi.
“She makes a mountain out of a molehill and has to get publicity,” she complained.
Opposition members attempted to defend Abbasi but Raza silenced them. MQM’s Sabir Qaimkhani refused to adhere to the deputy speaker’s admonishments and stood up to speak even though his mic was turned off.
“Please sit down, otherwise, I will take action,” warned Raza. But her remarks only spurred the members on, as MQM members stood up and began to protest against her.
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“I once again tell you to take your seats, otherwise I will use my powers,” warned Raza. Amidst the chaos which dominated the proceedings the deputy speaker finished questions answer session in haste.
Raza also offended PTI MPAs when she told MPA Dr Seema Zia to “wind up” her speech on why contacts are given to private companies to lift garbage. Dr Zia expressed dismay over the performance of the Chinese company, which according to her has failed to give tangible results. Raza interrupted her and said there was not enough time to listen to her call attention. “Don’t drag useless things in your speech,” Raza said, irking opposition members. This led to MPAs protesting against Raza, calling her biased.
“Please continue your protest, I will not listen to you,” she said.
After a brief protest, opposition members took to their seats.
After the session, Abbasi along with Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz MPAs addressed the media and said, “We have decided in principle to bring a non-confidence motion against the [deputy] speaker, who plays the role of a party activist while sitting on the speaker’s chair.” She claimed to have gained the support of the PTI and said, “We will also talk to MQM on this issue”. Abbasi vowed to move the motion against the speaker today (Tuesday).
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