SC seeks govt reply on plea for restoration of student unions

ISLAMABAD: A constitutional bench of the Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the federation and other respondents on a petition seeking restoration of student unions.

A six-member bench headed by Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan heard the case. During the course of the proceedings, Justice Jamal Mandokhail remarked the schedule for the student union elections had been issued by Quaid-e-Azam University, adding these elections should be seen as a pilot project.

Justice Mandokhail said politics had entered even in the bar elections, while political parties had formed their political wings in educational institutions. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar questioned was there a ban on student unions? “When was this ban imposed?” Political parties had political wings in Karachi University, he said, adding student unions did not mean politics but the welfare of students.

Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi said violence occurred in Karachi University due to student unions, following which Rangers had been deployed there for 35 years. Lawyer Umar Gilani said Rangers were deployed in Karachi University under special circumstances.

Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan said student unions happen to be a nursery since these same people (students) will later have to take care of the country. Justice Rizvi said the problem should be solved by sitting with good students.

Justice Musarrat Hilali remarked let the children study, why were they being brought into politics. The bench served notices to the respondents and adjourned hearing for a date to be fixed latter.