Student Unions In Sindh.

The Sindh assembly is pushing the provincial government to lift the ban on student unions in the province. This is an important step in the democratisation of any region because it encourages young people to engage in dialogue, diplomacy and interest articulation. Despite the right guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan, a ban was imposed in the Zia-era which was maintained throughout the later years. It not only benefits authoritarian rulers but also helps maintain the status quo and curb dissent within a state. However, we have witnessed the negative effects of maintaining such control. It has allowed radical thought processes to become prevalent and has created space for the right-wing to use force to maintain control over the mainstream narrative.

The resolution was proposed by Nida Khuhro of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). The resolution was later supported by all parties in government in the province - Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA). It is an important step in the political landscape of the country because the youth make up 64 percent of the population and it is important to engage them in the political process. The student unions provide an opportunity for the students to enhance their leadership skills through...