Govt willing to restore student unions after establishment of 'code of conduct': PM Imran

[Kabira]

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday expressed the government's willingness to allow the restoration of student unions subject to the establishment of a "comprehensive and enforceable code of conduct".

"Universities groom future leaders of the country and student unions form an integral part of this grooming," said the prime minister in a post on Twitter.

Referring to the student unions of the past, the prime minister said that they had become "violent battlegrounds and completely destroyed the intellectual atmosphere on campuses".

He, however, clarified that unions will be "restored and enabled to play their part" in grooming the future leaders of the country. The premier said that a "comprehensive and enforceable conduct" based on the "best practices in internationally renowned universities" will be developed so that their restoration can be made possible.

Earlier in the day, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan had announced that the prime Minister has directed the federal government and the provinces to form a comprehensive strategy for the protection of students' rights and for the speedy resolution to their problems.

"The young generation is a valuable asset of ours and [our] hope for a bright future," said Awan in a tweet.

She added that the realisation of the youth's dreams is a fundamental mission of the premier.

Awan added that the youth has the determination to face every challenge.

"We need to build our youth's character based on the principles of hard work and honesty. Along with this, it is very important to make their dynamic character compatible with society's well-being, national interest and safety."

Today's announcements come two days after students, activists and supporters across Pakistan came out to join the Student Solidarity March, led by the Student Action Committee (SAC), to present a charter of demands.

The march demanded restoration of budget for the Higher Education Commission, end to the layoff of academics, allocation of five percent of the GDP for education, nationalisation of educational institutions and withdrawal of the recent fee hike.

The students also demanded the establishment of committees in all the educational institutes to investigate cases of sexual harassment as well as ensuring representation of students on these committees.

Furthermore, they asked that offices of security forces be removed from campuses, and undue checking should end, among other demands.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1519856/g...ter-establishment-of-code-of-conduct-pm-imran

 

[HAIDER]

Few drama baz got new day ... Awam ki awaz from some rich people alley ... Whenever unions form they will be politically motivated eventually ....atleast this time they burn private buses ,,,govt transport don't exist anymore.

 

[TNT]

Student Unions in western universities help students alot. We should adopt such a model. It will help groom future leaders and new leaders can rise from good universities, not the off spring of corrupt ruling elite.

 

[StormBreaker]

What a stupid action by IK. Falling on knees in front of wild stray wolves ? Is this his level ? This guy no matter what motives he has but lacks the POLITICAL SENSE a politician must have, cleverness and tactics.

 

[ARMalik]

I had high hopes for IK but as more days and months pass, he is beginning to show that he an Idiot, and his priorities are totally wrong.

 

[313ghazi]

What a stupid action by IK. Falling on knees in front of wild stray wolves ? Is this his level ? This guy no matter what motives he has but lacks the POLITICAL SENSE a politician must have, cleverness and tactics.

I had high hopes for IK but as more days and months pass, he is beginning to show that he an Idiot, and his priorities are totally wrong.

It's a political quick win. Burger brats are a typical PTI demographic. If they want student unions, place proper regulations and give them unions. It just so happens a bunch of fake commies made some noise about them, who gives a shit. These people are irrelevant, don't give them the oxygen of publicity.

 

[StormBreaker]

It's a political quick win. Burger brats are a typical PTI demographic. If they want student unions, place proper regulations and give them unions. It just so happens a bunch of fake commies made some noise about them, who gives a shit. These people are irrelevant, don't give them the oxygen of publicity.

Problem comes in long term Pakistan... Afghan refugees, nawaz, soviet, usa invasion, economic downfall, all were jug term issues, who knows who will gave the next government and how they will control these moronic kids

 

[Chakar The Great]

Good news.

 

[HAIDER]

It's a political quick win. Burger brats are a typical PTI demographic. If they want student unions, place proper regulations and give them unions. It just so happens a bunch of fake commies made some noise about them, who gives a shit. These people are irrelevant, don't give them the oxygen of publicity.

Giving union permission will help to raise private universities business. Because Universities will be closed most of education year.

@niaz @MastanKhan lolllll jawani deewani ...

 

[MastanKhan]

There is no place for student unions in pakistani colleges and universities---.

 

[Maxpane]

idiotic decision by pm i k. i dnt know what the heck is he thinking about union but it is the union which disturb college or university's peaceful environment

 

[pakpride00090]

Why do Imran bow down to these miscreants....

 

[airmarshal]

That should not allowed. Look at these recent protests. These are used by PTM and its communists allies to spread chaos and anarchy.

A seemingly benign march to reinstate student unions turns into an anti-army and anti-state pogrom. This is a precursor to what will happen if student unions are allowed.

Let Pakistan be a law abiding society first before such activities be allowed. In 70s to 90s. Student unions did not produce leaders but anarchists, terrorists and badmaash. The worst of those were seen in Karachi by the name of IJT, APMSO and PSF.

 

[Caprxl]

Furthermore, they asked that offices of security forces be removed from campuses, and undue checking should end, among other demands.

Hmmm, where is that ?? I didn't have any security forces in my university, nor my friends, nor any of my cousins mentioned me of any presence. ..

Undue checking of what ?? Never experienced it ,

 

[TNT]

I realized mlst ppl here are hawks and anti Democratic. If unions are a bad thing then why western universities have strong unions?
Union can help solve issues at every organization, it helps give voice to the people. Why are u ppl scared of protests or anyone asking for their rights? Why is it thay dictatorial mindsets demand full obedience and does not tolerate any criticism???? Such diversity, freedom, having rights to raise voice makes a good society. It is the reason west developed.

Ofcourse everything needs to be under regulations. Student unions were banned in Pakistan by dictators because instead of genuine leadership, they wanted to groom their pets like nawaz. They then hand over power to their spoiled offspring and the country is damned. You are educated ppl here and u should support such demands. If a genuine demand is putforward by not so liked ppl, does it make the demnd wrong?? IK is smart and the only way to bring genuine leadership is to encourage student unions. In UK the union president is a final year out going student, so when he becomes president, he has already finished his studies, the university pays him a salary and itcounts as experience of leadership job. Ifu want genuine leadership in future nd not the likes of maryam and bilawal and hamza then encourage student unions.