The Sindh High Court has dismissed a petition seeking the restoration of student unions, ordering the petitioner to pay a fine of Rs 10,000 at the court’s clinic. Justice Adnan Al-Karim Memon heard the case and questioned the purpose and benefits of reviving student unions, noting the challenges already facing the education system. The petitioner’s lawyer argued that student unions provide representation for students in policy-making, similar to labor unions in factories.
The court also questioned whether the petitioner still held student status, as the submitted documents dated back to 2021. Ultimately, the petition was rejected, and the fine was imposed to be deposited with the SHC. Student unions in Pakistan were originally banned on February 9, 1984, by military ruler General (retired) Zia-ul-Haq. The ban eliminated a key platform for youth political engagement, limiting opportunities for students to develop political awareness and participate in shaping the country’s future.
