KP govt takes major step toward restoring student unions

PESHAWAR: In a landmark move, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has initiated formal talks to restore student unions in the province’s higher education institutions, signaling a shift towards nurturing democratic leadership among youth.

The announcement came after a key meeting, chaired by Meena Khan Afridi, the Minister for Higher Education and Local Government, where education officials and representatives from various student organisations convened, Express Tribune reported on Friday.

The gathering saw student leaders from groups such as the Islami Jamiat Talaba, Insaf Students Federation, Peoples Students Federation, and Pakhtunkhwa Students Organisation actively participating in the discussions.

During the meeting, the student representatives presented their proposals on how to best restore student unions, advocating for a process that is inclusive and democratic. To move the initiative forward, a committee was formed, led by Musharraf Afridi, the provincial president of the Insaf Students Federation.

This committee, which will also include members from the Higher Education Department and other student bodies, is tasked with finalizing a report within 15 days. The report will outline a framework for the return of student unions, aiming to create a consensus-driven plan for the restoration.

In her address, Minister Afridi noted the importance of student unions in fostering democratic leadership, both at the provincial and national levels. “Student unions were dissolved during an authoritarian period to weaken grassroots leadership, and the repercussions of that decision are still felt today,” Afridi said. She argued that the revival of student unions is crucial for empowering young people and offering them a platform to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.

The Minister also highlighted how reintroducing student unions could serve as a counterbalance to entrenched dynastic politics, feudal mindsets, and the dominance of privileged classes in the political arena. Despite ongoing resistance from some unseen forces, Afridi reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to seeing the process through.

The move comes as part of broader efforts to revitalise higher education in the province. Earlier, the Minister also chaired a meeting focused on the recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff at provincial universities. Senior representatives from institutions such as the University of Shangla, IMSciences Peshawar, and Bacha Khan University Charsadda participated, with Afridi urging rationalised recruitment practices to optimise resources and increase student enrollment.