PA asks Sindh govt to lift Zia-era ban on student unions.

Byline: Hasan Mansoor

KARACHI -- The Sindh Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution that asked the provincial government to lift the ban on student unions in the educational institutions of Sindh by introducing a code of conduct that may help avoid conflict among various student organisations in future.

The 'historic' resolution was originally moved by the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party's Nida Khuhro, which was later endorsed by the three major opposition parties in the house - the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Grand Democratic Alliance and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf.

The mover said the resolution was of crucial importance for the youth of Sindh to actively and meaningfully participate in the democratic, social, cultural and political processes of their country and province.

'The student unions provide an opportunity to the students to enhance their leadership skills through participation in healthy political, cultural and social activities.'

The house resolved and recommended to the Sindh government 'to lift the ban on student unions in the educational institutions of Sindh in the light of Article 16 (freedom of assembly) and Article 17 (freedom of association) of the Constitution'.

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'The student unions are a major forum for organising social activities and for addressing a range of academic and welfare issues through collective representation of students. It will also allow students to practise their skills of diplomacy, debate, politics and leadership,' said the resolution.

It went on: 'This house further recommends the Sindh government that instead of imposing a ban on the student unions, they should strictly be regulated through the code of conduct in order to avoid any conflict amongst the different student organisations.

'This important step will help in reviving the student unions as well as maintaining healthy environment within the educational institutions of Sindh.'

Scores of students belonging to student organisations from various districts of the province were allowed by Speaker Siraj Durrani to witness the proceedings while the resolution was being moved.

Nida Khuhro said student unions were nurseries of producing leaders in the country, which were abolished by dictator General Ziaul Haq in 1984. She said all the senior politicians of the country were products of student unions.

She said Benazir Bhutto had lifted the ban on...

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