Let students question

This refers to the letters ‘PM’s visit’ (Nov 3) by Imtiaz Akhter and Malik ul Quddoos. I agree with Imtiaz Akhter when he says that “students do not care about restrictions on free speech”. The international community of educated and learned academics recognizes the right to free speech. Our religion also promotes right to free speech, and there are many incidents that show how Muslim leaders used to answer the questions asked by people. I do not agree with what Malik ul Quddoos asserted in his letter. I do not agree how the episode was linked to aggression and lawlessness. Prestigious universities invites across the world invite sitting PMs for lectures and Q&A sessions where students are free to put forward any questions; such questions are never considered as politically motivated.

Lums is a prestigious education institution of Pakistan where students get admissions solely on merit. It makes sense that they were disappointed by the late arrival of the PM. They know how punctual Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was, who once ordered to remove empty chairs at a gathering so those who reached late (including federal ministers) also had to remain standing during the function.

Aamir Aqil

Lahore