ZULFIQAR AHMAD
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Committee of the Whole on Tuesday adopted a resolution, calling for revival of student unions in educational institutions across the country.
The committee which met here with Raza Rabbani in the chair discussed the draft resolution for revival of student unions – the unions which had faced ban during dictatorial regime of Gen Ziaul Haq.
The order was rescinded by the late Benazir Bhutto in 1988; however, in 1993, the Supreme Court imposed a ban on unions on the grounds that they contribute to violence in campuses.
The resolution which was passed by Senate Committee of the Whole will also be presented in the house today (Wednesday) for approval and it states: “The student unions provide a platform for students to engage in social and educational activities and defend their rights at the same time.”
The senators belonging to all political parties said that student unions played an important role against dictators in the past and claimed that Mashal Khan’s murder would not have taken place if student unions were allowed in campus.
However, they stressed that the federal and provincial governments must ensure that a no-weapons policy is strictly observed in campuses and that administrations maintain peace in educational institutions by making unions follow a set code of conduct.
No student should be granted membership of a union without clearing all exams, they added.
Chairman Rabbani endorsed the suggestions put forth by the senators and said that student unions give the poor and middle classes a platform to enter national-level politics; therefore, they must be revived.
He observed that being an independent institution it’s the duty of Senate to carry out legislations that benefit the people.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s 1993 ban on student unions, the resolution said that restoring student unions will not be a violation of court orders because the Constitution of Pakistan gives everyone the right to form associations.
The committee also deliberated upon how to mention appropriately the Supreme Court judgment which had put a ban on the functioning of student unions.
Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq while expressing support for revival of student unions also said that the resolution should have a part which acts as a precautionary element that demanding revival of student unions should in no way mean acceptance of violent activities.
Senator Sherry Rehman said that there should be a clear instruction of keeping campuses and unions de-weaponized.
Senator Murtaza Wahab said that action should be taken against those who use the bodies to create havoc in campuses and gain political mileage.
Senator Mohsin Leghari said that one way of dealing with the ban on student unions can be to file a review in light of the judgment. The chairman Senate said that Parliament as an independent state institution should not look towards approaching the apex court in form of a review.
He said that this resolution will act as a recommendation to the federal and provincial governments which can then review the recommendations and take appropriate measures.
