LAHORE: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) senior leader and former federal information minister Qamar Zaman Kaira has said political institutions need to be strengthened for keeping the establishment away from the political arena.

He was addressing members of the People’s Student Federation (PSF) at the Punjab University Law College here on Tuesday.

He said the 1973 Constitution exists in the country in its original form because of the Charter of Democracy (CoD) signed by slain PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif back in 2006.

In an apparent reference to the culture of hatred being allegedly promoted by the opposition PTI, he said such approach could not improve society, adding that instead, respect and tolerance for differing opinions must be cultivated.

He emphasised that conflicts and disputes with institutions could never resolve issues; rather listening to others and finding one’s path was the way forward. “History teaches us that revolutionary slogans alone do not bring about a change.”

He praised the improvement at the Punjab University, saying it is commendable that at least one institution in the country is moving toward betterment.

Clarifying that the restoration of student unions is part of the PPP manifesto, he said that during the party’s tenure in power, a bill had been tabled in the assembly for restoration of these bodies, but it was hindered by a Supreme Court order. He pledged the party would ensure the restoration of student unions at the earliest.

Kaira stressed that Pakistan’s problems stem from the absence of leadership emerging from student unions. He promised to convey the issues and demands of the students to the prime minister and the Punjab chief minister.

The former minister regretted that the Muslims are distanced from knowledge, dialogue, and tolerance. He urged the students not to merely seek degrees, but to strive for modern knowledge.

“Guns, pistols or nuclear bombs cannot take this country forward; only knowledge can. You are the ones who will run this country, and your challenges are greater than ours.”

Former student leader Raja Munawar called for mutual respect in politics, urging the students not to waste their energy on belittling others.

Other speakers at the event included Syed Sibte Hassan and Mansoor Kataria.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2024