Student union are inevitable for Pakistani students

(Mohsin Raza, )

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.


 

Mohsin Raza
About the Author: Mohsin Raza Read More Articles by Mohsin Raza: 8 Articles with 5373 views I am Mohsin Raza. A student of History department from GCU Lahore. .. View More