PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain emphasised the need to revive student unions in educational institutions.

While addressing a students’ gathering at Islamia College University here on Wednesday, he stated that the restoration of student unions was a need of the time. He further pointed out that the ban on student unions was a remnant of the military dictatorship of Ziaul Haq, which still persisted. He said that this restriction had hindered the emergence of new leadership and practical politics in educational institutions.

According to a statement, Mr Hussain highlighted that student unions were a constitutional right of students. He stated that, unfortunately, in Pakistan, the constitution often remained just on paper and after the 18th Constitutional Amendment; it had been the responsibility of provincial governments to restore student unions.

ANP leader pointed out that imposing restrictions on democratic politics and student unions had been an old practice in the country. He expressed concern that those responsible for Pakistan’s backwardness had been portrayed as heroes, while the contributions of those who had made sacrifices for the country had been distorted in history.

Mr Hussain criticised the role of military dictator Ziaul Haq in Pakistan’s destruction, stating that he had buried democracy and student unions in the country. He added that the military dictator had compromised the country’s Constitution to serve American interests, and Pakistan’s involvement in the proxy war had led to the rise of the Kalashnikov culture in educational institutions, the statement said.

ANP leader noted that the discussion on reviving student unions in educational institutions had begun, which was a welcome step. He emphasised the need to empower parliament and make the Constitution supreme and strong.

Furthermore, he stated that the most powerful entity in the country was the establishment, which could win without elections. Mian Iftikhar Hussain concluded by saying that the actual culprits behind Pakistan’s backwardness were those who considered the Constitution a mere piece of paper, the statement added.

Published in Dawn, December 19th, 2024