Discussing democracy: ‘Ban on student unions a major impediment’

Speakers call for engaging youth meaningfully

ISLAMABAD: Lack of trust in the political system and political parties, a ban on student unions, unimpressive youth programmes and depoliticisation are major impediments in the promotion of democracy in the country.

This was the crux of speeches made at a seminar titled “Youth and Democratic Development in Pakistan”, organised here on Monday by the Sustainable Development Programme Institution (SDPI) in collaboration with Centre for International Private Enterprise.

Awami National Party Women Wing Vice-President Bushra Gohar said that though the youth remained involved in politics from day-one, the ban on student unions placed by the Zia regime forced them out of the political process, causing a dearth of young political leadership.



“Democracy has not flourished in Pakistan and democracy is the name of some values and norms. Simply entering politics does not equal democracy,” Gohar said, adding that as a nation, “We are confused about democracy.”

“We are in a fix whether to run the country democratically or make it a security state. Our syllabus does not teach the Constitution of Pakistan and the youth know little about the basics of our democracy,” she said, adding that the narrative of dictatorships and security were scaring people, and the media was playing a negative role.

Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Osman Saifullah said that there was little democracy within political parties. He said he was not in favour of student politics at school and college levels, emphasising the need to improve the quality of education first.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement MNA Dr Fauzia Hameed supported student politics, saying that 43 per cent of the country’s population fell under the youth category and prosperity would only come by involving them.

SDPI Senior Research Associate Shakil Ramay and other also spoke at the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 24^th, 2015.