![in di khan students oppose university s music concert ban in di khan students oppose university s music concert ban](https://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/366000-protests-1334674276.jpg)
A concert organised by a student group was disrupted by authorities late Sunday night, ostensibly for violating the official ban, organisers and officials confirmed.
The Pakhtun Student Federation had organised a concert by Pashto singer Mazhar Khan at Gomal University in DI Khan. A police party arrived at the university’s Facilitation Hall, where hundreds of students gyrated to Khan’s tunes, removed the stage and forced students out of the hall.
“A ban has been imposed by the university’s vice chancellor on programmes involving music, songs and dance on campus premises under Section 13 (3) of the Gomal University Act 1974,” Dr Salahuddin, director of student affairs at the university, told The Express Tribune.
The PSF, however, said that they will continue to struggle against what they felt was usurpation of their rights. “Access to entertainment is our fundamental right,” Sherullah Wazir, a political science students and secretary of PSF at Gomal’s campus, said.
Sherullah said that a majority of the university’s student body came from Fata, particularly from North and South Waziristan agencies. “They want musical shows at the campus as it is the only venue where they can entertain themselves. They can’t even think of such things in [their] war-torn tribal areas.”
But, Dr Salahuddin categorically stated that the university was not against entertainment activities. He defended the decision saying that all the administration is opposed to are programmes that disturb the university’s environment. “A number of outsiders also came to campus [for the disrupted musical show], which cannot be allowed. The university will not permit programmes that are attended by rickshaw drivers and participants smoke hashish,” he said.
In support of his assertion that the administration supported entertainment activities, he said that students are allowed to play the Rabab during welcome and farewell parties and other events but the administration will not allow professional singers to perform on campus.
He also said that the decision was not made due to fear of militants or threats from them.
A student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that a tussle was going on between the university’s students and administration over organising musical shows. “Students often arrange programmes outside campus but it is insecure to do so.”
On the other hand, right-wing religious party Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing Islami Jamiat Talaba says it backs the administration’s decision to disallow musical shows.
“It is the IJT’s mission to not permit such activities on campuses and we will back the university administration in not allowing musical shows and dance parties,” IJT’s nazim Shafirullah said.
COMMENTS (9)
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@faridy: “A ban has been imposed by the university’s vice chancellor on programmes involving music, songs and dance on campus premises under Section 13 (3) of the Gomal University Act 1974,”
did you read the above part in the article? One has to follow rules of that university. One has complete freedom to live in moderation but if something is not allowed you can do it at your home. Nobody is stopping you over there. But according to this university its not allowed. Sorry liberalism won't work here. One has to respect the constitution.
@Pakistani First: Dude its up to the students of that university. If there is a constitution then nobody is allowed to go against it even they are liberal extremists. If there is a constitution then why is music being forced in a place where its not allowed. Why can't they find a place outside which does not disturb studies? For e.g. if in a work place no music of party is allowed then why is one even trying to organize? Simply its a breach of conduct.
Its good to use common sense and respect the LAW's and CONSTITUTION of organizations. Oh and if this is how you will live with the rest of the world then start living with them. Leave this medieval country.
ever imagine why we keep on embracing liberalism and so called modernization and still the like this? lol I hope you got the answer!
why we cant live a moderate live???? please dnt abuse religion as this is so dear to some also dnt even abuse the liberty of people....... i m ashamed of being of you you.
Music has the power to change the minds and hearts of the terrorists. So the mullah mentality do not accept such shows.
“A ban has been imposed by the university’s vice chancellor on programmes involving music, songs and dance on campus premises under Section 13 (3) of the Gomal University Act 1974,”
If this is in the constitution of the university then students should respect the constitution. One can go outside and organize concerts where ever they want. If you don't like the constitution then pass the amendment. If its approved by the board then fine do naach gana and thats the most one can expect from inferiority complex indianized Pakistanis.
Then stop those outsiders from coming to the campus and ban hashish instead of music show. Such shows are healthy activities and must not be banned or Is it just an excuse to stop youth extra curriculum activities.
Stand up! before all of your freedom is taken away on the name of religion. Soon the days to come, when even air will not be free to breath.