Punjab

Students stand united for revival of unions

Demand restoration of Higher Education Commission budget

Adnan Lodhi November 30, 2019

students shouting slogans for restoration of student 039 s union during students solidarity march organised by student 039 s action committee women democratic front and others photo online

Students shouting slogans for restoration of Student's Union during Students Solidarity March, organised by Student's Action Committee, Women Democratic Front and others. PHOTO: ONLINE

LAHORE: Like other parts of the country, students of different universities and their supporters staged a protest demonstration in Lahore to press for their demands, particularly for the revival of student unions on Friday.

Following the traditional style of national politics, the students of both public and private universities staged protest demonstrations by hiring a small container – a mini-truck and shouted slogans for the revival of student unions at universities.

They had been holding banners and placards inscribed with the slogans against the social liberties and rights to speech and assembly, with particular focus on the ban on their unions.

The students demanded that the ban that was put three decades ago must be abolished now. They also demanded that the budget cut of the Higher Education Commission should be restored. The students also demanded of the authorities to introduce a proper mechanism to eliminate harassment at campuses of the educational institutions.

In pictures: Student Solidarity March calls for restoration of unions

Professors and lecturers of different educational institutions also took part in the march.

Holding flags and placards inscribed with demands, the students were seen as very passionate and committed towards their goal of restoration of unions at educational institutions.

Initially, they gathered at Nasser Bagh, a historic garden which is few yards away from the National College of Arts, the college students of which came forth to initiate this new move of revival in Lahore.

From Nasser Bagh, the students marched towards the Punjab Assembly and continued their protest.

Girl students, mostly from NCA and LUMS and FC College University took part in the protest. It was observed that the students of NCA and FC College were seen more passionate about the restoration of unions at educational institutions across the country. Besides the students of universities, many of their friends also took part in the protest rally.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th, 2019.