Can the rise of unions solve students’ problems?

With the proposed lifting of the ban, speakers at T2F discuss pros and cons of student unions

KARACHI: On November 29, thousands of young men and women, teachers and activists took to the streets in a countrywide march, voicing their demands for the return of student unions to Pakistan and speaking up for the concerns of students in educational institutions. The massive mobilisation, with demonstrations in at least 50 cities across the country, brought the matter to the consideration of lawmakers and subsequently paved the way for a long-awaited breakthrough - particularly in Sindh, where the provincial cabinet has green-lighted a proposed bill that sought to lift the ban on student unions.

As the legislation regarding the bill progresses, the discussion surrounding it has gained even more momentum, raising questions about what is in the works and what more is needed to address the issues with which Pakistan's students are struggling.

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"The problems faced by students have not been addressed for 35 years; there is no representation or stake for students in the affairs of colleges and universities," said Waqas Alam, from the Progressive Students Federation Pakistan, as he reiterated his prime demands during a panel discussion at The Second Floor here on Wednesday. "It is the constitutional right of students to elect their own representatives," he stated, urging the removal of the ban against the unions.

Stressing improvements in the overall structure of the country's education system, Alam maintained that class distinctions had made it impossible for students from a lower-middle class background to pursue education in a field that is economically sound.

Talking about past incidents of violence in varsities, he remarked, "It is a fact, but students are a reflection of society and when society and the syllabus are violent, what do you expect?" He pointed out that dissent is greatly discouraged in the country, adding that the curricula do not teach the importance of debate, human rights and tolerance.

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Dr Akhtar Baloch, the vice chancellor of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University of Lyari, while acknowledging the rights of students, asserted that the purpose of unions is to develop leadership qualities in the youth. "Unfortunately, we have made the role of unions negative by turning them into wings of political parties, enforcing their agendas," he stated.

"Students are one of the major stakeholders of a university and without them, the varsities cannot run," he added, also urging the protection of the sanctity of the educational institutes.

Meanwhile, Dr Anila Amber Malik from Karachi University emphasised the importance of preserving harmony between all the stakeholders involved in varsity affairs, including teachers and support staff.

"There are many teachers at my university who do not want the revival of student unions and likewise, there are many who want them. We should respect both opinions," she said.

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She added that it was vital to assess the reasons why the ban was imposed and the events that followed. "When the culture of violence grew, the unions were banned," she pointed out. "But I am of the view that such measures only increase repression."

Zahabia Khozema, a student political worker and one of the organisers of the solidarity march, said that students face numerous problems on campus, adding that the demands had been put forward in an attempt to highlight them.

On the differences of opinion between a few student bodies, she explained, "The political situation more broadly has an impact on student politics; our political ideology differs but our demands remain the same." However, she went on to observe, "Ideological differences form your political actions and the basis of how you approach things."



Khozema added that the university administration too has a role to play when violence is allowed on campuses. "If there are violent activities taking place or teachers getting threatened, where does university administration stand here? It's either complicit or letting the events unfold," she remarked.

Central Zone nazim Aneeq Ahmad Tabish pointed out the difference between student unions and 'talba tanzeems', explaining, "Talba tanzeems gather people with a certain ideology and an agenda; unions on the other hand, are formed by the students of the institute through elected representatives [to address their issues]."

He said that with student union elections, these bodies needed to show progress to get voted in, with decisions taken on the basis of merit. However, he claimed, the role of power had become more important in the last 35 years. 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 20^th, 2019.