The Sindh High Court (SHC) has dismissed a petition seeking student union revival. The petitioner was ordered to pay a fine of Rs10,000, to be deposited at the court’s clinic.
Justice Adnan Al-Karim Memon heard the petition, asking why the petitioner wanted to revive student unions amid existing challenges in the education system. He questioned whether this move might disrupt students’ learning further.
The petitioner’s lawyer argued that student unions could provide students with a platform to participate in decision-making, similar to labor unions in factories. The lawyer stressed that unions could give students a voice in policy discussions.
The SHC also asked whether the petitioner still held student status. The court noted that some documents submitted were dated 2021, raising doubts about current eligibility.
After reviewing the arguments, the SHC rejected the petition. The fine of Rs10,000 was imposed as a penalty for filing the plea.
Student unions in Pakistan were banned on February 9, 1984, by the military ruler General (retired) Zia-ul-Haq. The ban removed a key platform for young people to engage in politics and build leadership skills. Critics argue that the ban limited students’ political awareness and participation for decades.
Legal experts say that discussions around student union revival have resurfaced in recent years. Advocates believe unions can help students express concerns and contribute to university governance. Opponents argue that unions could create unrest and affect academic focus.
The SHC ruling makes it clear that while the idea of student union revival may be debated, courts will strictly enforce procedural and eligibility requirements before considering any such petitions. For now, student unions remain banned across educational institutions in Sindh.
In other news read more about: Sindh High Court Dismisses Petition Related to Tax Refund Claims by Tractor Maker
