Zia’s ban has not yet been revoked despite several attempts made by political parties
ISLAMABAD: Student politics has an important role on the societal progress. It is no secret that Pakistan’s mainstream political parties are dominated by the feudalistic class and consequently reinforce feudalistic dominance more vigorously. Resultantly, it suppresses the voice of the lower-middle and middle class. Student unions were banned during the Zia regime. Zia’s ban has not yet been revoked despite several attempts made by political parties. As a result, universities produce apolitical individuals who lack leadership and political skills. Pakistan has so far witnessed political upheavals owing to the absence of student unions at the university level. Once should not forget that the right to association is a constitutional right. The student union is a legitimate forum which allows students to raise their voice for their collective interests and to grapple with problems. As it stands, there is a chronic dearth of dynamic leadership in Pakistan and this vacuum can only be filled with students who would-be political leaders. The incumbent government stresses youth development. So, it is earnestly hoped that the PTI government will revoke the ban for the benefit of a new generation of leaders.
M Shahjahan Memon
Published in The Express Tribune, November 26th, 2019.
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