Student unions importance
Osama Siddiqui
Student unions play a vital role in advocating for student rights, academic reforms and political awareness. Like any other community that organizes to protect its interests, students too must have the right to form unions. However, history has shown that while student unions can be a powerful force for positive change, they must also adhere to discipline and constructive activism to avoid becoming disruptive.
Globally, student unions have fought for lower tuition fees, improved campus facilities, and greater representation in academic decision-making. More importantly, they have served as platforms for young leaders who later shaped the political landscapes of their countries. Pakistan is no exception. Many of its prominent political figures began their journeys in student activism.
The roots of student activism in Pakistan can be traced back to the Muslim Students Federation, which played a crucial role in the creation of Pakistan. Aligarh University became a center of student mobilization, where young minds actively contributed to the independence movement. Over the years, various student unions emerged, representing different ideologies and political affiliations. Some of the most notable unions in Pakistan’s history include the National Students Federation, People’s Students Federation, and Islami Jamiat Talaba.
The National Students Federation, which was initially linked to left-wing politics, was formed after the Communist Party of Pakistan was banned. It became a strong ally of the National Awami Party (NAP) and played a key role in resisting military rule while advocating for democratic values. However, student activism often faced opposition from authoritarian regimes that viewed unions as a threat to their control. Successive governments in Pakistan, particularly during military rule, frequently imposed bans on student unions due to their resistance to authoritarian policies. Dictators saw them as a major obstacle since student groups mobilized against autocratic governance and became a voice for democracy.
During General Ayub Khan’s regime, student unions played a crucial role in opposing his rule. However, internal ideological differences weakened their unity. In the 1965 presidential elections, the National Students Federation split into two factions. One faction supported Fatima Jinnah under the pro-Moscow, left-leaning leadership of Wali Khan. The other faction remained silent because Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who was then a minister in Ayub’s cabinet, had strong ties with China’s Mao Zedong. When Bhutto later resigned from Ayub Khan’s cabinet, student leaders welcomed him at the railway station, recognizing him as a rising political force.
Among them was Mairaj Muhammad Khan, a fearless activist who became one of the strongest voices against dictatorship. He played a key role in founding the Pakistan People’s Party alongside Bhutto. However, his opposition to government crackdowns on labor movements eventually led him to leave the party. His outspoken activism resulted in his imprisonment, where he was brutally tortured, causing him to lose an eye.
Islami Jamiat Talaba has had a complex history, sometimes opposing military rulers and at other times supporting them. In 1965, it backed Fatima Jinnah and allied with leftist figures such as Wali Khan and Sheikh Mujib, despite their socialist ideologies. However, the organization later aligned itself with General Zia-ul-Haq, who shared right-wing political views. During Zia’s rule, Islami Jamiat Talaba received political favoritism, but it struggled to make a significant impact in national electoral politics. One of its most dramatic moments came during the OIC Summit when its leader, Javed Hashmi, protested against Bhutto’s recognition of Bangladesh. In a bold move, he stepped in front of King Faisal’s convoy, expressing his strong disapproval of the government’s stance.
The People’s Students Federation was formed after Zulfikar Ali Bhutto founded the Pakistan People’s Party. It became a strong force against General Zia-ul-Haq’s dictatorship, despite facing severe crackdowns and political suppression. Although efforts were made to eliminate the organization, its activists remained committed to their cause. Leaders such as Jehangir Badar and Qamar Abbas Shaheed played a key role in keeping the Pakistan People’s Party alive during the oppressive military rule of the 1980s. Their sacrifices contributed to the survival of democratic politics, ultimately leading to the Pakistan People’s Party’s electoral victory in 1988.
While student unions have played an important role in Pakistan’s political and academic history, their absence in recent years has left a void in educational institutions. Many argue that reviving student unions is essential to ensure student representation and encourage youth participation in national affairs. However, for this revival to be effective, student organizations must prioritize academic and social development rather than political violence. If student unions focus on constructive activism, they can once again serve as platforms for leadership, progressive change, and the strengthening of democracy in Pakistan.
The writer attended Cardiff University and completed his Masters of Science in Business Management. He has great passion for modern South Asian history, politics, political marketing and films. He may be reached at: osamasiddiqui21@yahoo.com. He tweets @osamasidd97.
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