Student unions were banned by the Zia regime in 1984. The unconstitutional ban continues to this day – a fact that should be a matter of deep concern for every citizen of the country. The ban did not come without consequences, of which there were many. As political student organisations were not possible anymore, the country eventually saw the rise of religious student organisations. Once entrenched, they controlled the campuses completely, from the appointment of lecturers to the choosing of syllabus to the enforcement of moral codes of conduct on students. The control changed the very nature of college and university education in Pakistan and almost defined it for a generation.

The continued ban on political student unions prevents the social and political development of the youth of the country, in addition to effectively putting an end to the culture of questioning and intelligent debate amongst the young, which is worrying to say the least. An immediate restoration of student unions is the need of the hour so that their representatives can raise their voice(s) about matters that are of utmost importance to students.

Every year since 2017, students and other activists have got together and called on policy makers to revive these unions. This year their demands included reduction in fees, greater security for students and establishment of functional anti-harassment committees in educational institutions. Student representatives from Progressive Students Collective, Peoples Student Federation, Saraiki Council, Baloch Council, Punjab Council, and others participated in the march that was held last week in Lahore.

This week’s Special Report looks at how student unions are vital to a democratic and progressive society.