The Sindh High Court (SHC) has dismissed a petition seeking the restoration of student unions in Pakistan, imposing a fine of Rs10,000 on the petitioner.
The court directed that the amount be deposited at the court’s clinic, marking a strong response to the plea.
According to media reports, Justice Adnan Al-Karim Memon heard the petition during a court session and questioned the rationale behind reviving student unions at a time when the education system is already facing serious challenges.
The judge remarked that the restoration of student unions could further disrupt the fragile academic environment instead of improving it.
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During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that student unions are an essential platform for student representation in policy-making processes.
He compared student unions to labour unions in factories, stating that such organisations help individuals voice their concerns and participate in decision-making.
However, the court raised concerns about the petitioner’s status, asking whether he was still a student. Justice Memon pointed out that the case file contained documents dating back to 2021, which cast doubt on the petitioner’s eligibility and relevance to the issue.
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After reviewing the arguments and records, the court rejected the petition and imposed a monetary penalty.
Student unions have a long and controversial history in Pakistan.
General (retired) Zia-ul-Haq imposed a nationwide ban on student unions on February 9, 1984, during his military rule.
The ban was aimed at curbing political activism on campuses but also resulted in the disappearance of a major platform for student engagement and leadership development.
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Analysts believe that the ban deprived young people of opportunities to develop political awareness, leadership skills, and democratic values.
They argue that student unions once played a significant role in nurturing future political leaders and encouraging youth participation in national affairs.
On the other hand, critics of student unions claim that such organisations often lead to violence, political interference, and disruptions in academic activities.
They believe that restoring student unions without proper reforms could worsen instability in educational institutions.
