Student unions have been an
important part of educational institutions for decades. These unions are formed
by students to represent their interests and to provide a platform for them to
express their views and opinions. In Pakistan, student unions have been banned
since 1984, and there has been a continuous debate on whether they should be
reinstated.
Student unions should be unbanned in order to provide students a platform to
highlight their issues in a better way. Sindh government had taken this step to
reinstate students unions but there is a huge loophole in structuring and
organising proper students unions body at the campuses. Benefits of unions
couldn't be ignored by the universities
Firstly, student unions provide a platform for students to express their views
and opinions. Students are the backbone of any educational institution, and
their views and opinions should be taken into account when making decisions that
affect them. Student unions can act as a bridge between students and the
administration, and can convey the concerns and grievances of the students to
the relevant authorities. Without student unions, students have no organized way
to express their opinions, which can lead to a feeling of neglect and
disempowerment.
Secondly, student unions provide opportunities for students to develop
leadership skills. In a country like Pakistan, where there is a lack of
opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills, student unions can
play a vital role in providing a platform for students to hone their skills.
Through participation in student unions, students can learn important skills
such as public speaking, negotiation, and decision-making. These skills can help
students in their future careers and make them valuable assets to the country.
Thirdly, student unions can help to promote social and political awareness among
students. In a country like Pakistan, where social and political issues are of
utmost importance, student unions can play a crucial role in creating awareness
among students. By organizing seminars, workshops, and rallies, student unions
can raise awareness on issues such as human rights, gender equality, and
democracy. This can help to create a socially and politically aware generation
of young people, who can contribute positively to the country.
Fourthly, student unions can act as a check on the administration. In Pakistan,
educational institutions are often criticized for being corrupt and inefficient.
Student unions can act as a check on the administration by monitoring their
activities and holding them accountable. This can lead to a more transparent and
accountable administration, which can ultimately benefit the students.
Fifthly, student unions can provide opportunities for students to engage in
community service. In Pakistan, where there are many social and economic issues,
student unions can play a crucial role in mobilizing students to engage in
community service activities. By organizing blood donation camps, charity
events, and other community service activities, student unions can instill a
sense of social responsibility among students. This can help to create a
generation of young people who are committed to making a positive impact on
society.
Sixthly, student unions can provide opportunities for students to engage in
extracurricular activities. In Pakistan, where there is often a lack of
opportunities for young people to engage in extracurricular activities, student
unions can provide a platform for students to showcase their talents. By
organizing sports tournaments, cultural festivals, and other extracurricular
activities, student unions can help to create a vibrant campus culture that is
conducive to learning and personal growth.
Seventhly, student unions can provide support to students in times of need. In a
country like Pakistan, where there are often socio-economic challenges, student
unions can provide support to students who are facing difficult circumstances.
By providing financial assistance, counseling services, and other forms of
support, student unions can help students to overcome the challenges they face
and achieve their academic goals.
In conclusion, student unions are inevitable for Pakistani students. They
provide a platform for students to express their views and opinions, develop
leadership skills, promote social and political awareness, act as a check on the
administration, engage in community service and extracurricular activities, and
provide support to students in times of need. It is important for the government
to recognize the importance. Unfortunately, in Pakistan these lofty ideals have
undergone a violent reality check, as some of the country’s top academic
institutions have been transformed into battlegrounds for feuding student
groups. Over the past few days, academic activities have been disturbed and
violent brawls have broken out at Punjab University in Lahore as well as
Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad. In both instances, student councils
divided along ethnic lines clashed with each other over trivial issues. At PU, a
trifle over a cricket match ended up in a violent brawl between members of the
Punjabi and Pakhtun councils; at least 69 students were bundled off to jail for
30 days. Meanwhile, over at QAU, a similar disagreement between Pakhtun and
Baloch students ended up in a melee, with the result that cases have been filed
against hundreds of students, while academic activities at the varsity were also
suspended. Students and civil society activists claim hostels were emptied out
in the dark of the night, with female students told to find alternative lodging
arrangements. To overcome such voilence at the campuses, Government have to
ensure students unions at the campuses as it is inevitable for Pakistani
universities.