By Ishrat Jahan
KARACHI: Altaf Shakoor, Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), expressed strong disapproval of the federal government’s implicit warning against student protests and agitation in educational institutions. In a statement on Sunday, Shakoor criticized attempts to restrict student politics and called for the promotion of student unions in all educational institutions.
Shakoor affirmed his party’s support for actions against those who mislead students but voiced opposition to increased restrictions on student politics under the guise of maintaining order. He emphasized that student unions serve as essential training grounds for future political leaders, and argued that the ban on student unions during the Zia regime only paved the way for the entry of the so-called “electable” class into politics. He stressed the need for genuine leadership to emerge from the broader population rather than merely expanding the influence of the elite class in assemblies.
In democracies worldwide, student participation in unions is encouraged, but Shakoor noted that in Pakistan, the ruling elite fears the power of students, particularly in light of recent political movements in Bangladesh led by student groups. He urged the government not to fear patriotic students who are committed to serving their nation.
Shakoor also raised concerns about the outdated curriculum in Pakistani schools and colleges, arguing that it fails to meet the demands of the job market. He criticized the prevalence of “paper degrees” that do not equip graduates with practical skills. He called for fundamental changes in the curriculum, emphasizing the need for vocational training, entrepreneurship, and technical education that aligns with current job market needs.
He urged the government to avoid any actions that could undermine student freedoms and instead offer more opportunities for students to engage in constructive political activities. Shakoor suggested that colleges and universities should only be recognized if they hold regular annual student union elections.
- #StudentRights,
- #PDPStatement,
- #StudentUnions,
- #EducationalReform,
- #CurriculumChange,
- #StudentActivism,
- #VocationalTraining,
- #PoliticalLeadership,
