By our correspondent
LAHORE: In a recent statement, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Senator Pervaiz Rasheed reflected on the unintended consequences of banning student unions across Pakistan’s educational institutions. Rasheed argued that prohibiting these unions has deprived young people of constructive outlets for political and social engagement, pushing many toward violence as a means of expression. He recalled his own commitment to political advocacy, noting that he has been symbolically “wearing a burial shroud” since 2013 as a sign of his dedication to peaceful political reform.
Rasheed expressed strong support for reviving student unions, which he believes could provide young people with opportunities for dialogue, democratic learning, and leadership development. In his view, student unions foster a culture of discussion and negotiation, equipping students with valuable skills in debate, collaboration, and civic engagement. He called on the government to reinstate these unions across all provinces, stressing that empowering youth with safe spaces for expression could reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies and violence.
