- Tanveer Abbas Web Desk
- 2 Hours ago
QAU decides to revive students union
- Javaid Soomro
- Sep 22, 2023
ISLAMABAD: In a landmark decision, the Quaid-e-Azam University has decided to revive the students union on the campus.
The decision was taken at the university’s Syndicate meeting chaired by Vice Chancellor Dr Niaz Akhtar.
The meeting was also attended by all members, including Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faez Isa.
During the Syndicate meeting, QAU Vice Chancellor Dr Niaz Akhtar presented a detailed overview of the university’s key achievements and ongoing challenges.
Among the challenges discussed were pending issues related to land grabbing, which have been a source of concern for the university.
The Syndicate members discussed the issue of engaging students in positive and healthy activities.
Federal Education Secretary Waseem Ajmal Chaudhary expressed his opinion in favour of reviving the students’ union, but he lamented that it was banned in 1984.
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa said that the said the Martial Law Order was repealed by an Act of Parliament in 1989. He further said that there was a 1993 judgment of the Supreme Court which only disapproved of students’ indulgence in politics but at the same time allowed and appreciated the existence of an elected body of students for addressing their issues and arranging their co-curricular activities.
He said that the Senate of Pakistan also passed a unanimous resolution (335) in 2017 on this subject. The QAU Registrar read the text of the said resolution.
The QAU vice-chancellor and other members also supported the said resolution. The house then unanimously decided to revive the students union, which will be the elected body of all students of QAU.
For making a detailed proposal about modalities of elections and other relevant issues, a committee was constituted comprising the QAU Registrar and the Director School of Law. The said committee will study the earlier practice and rules as well as the contemporary best practices in the world, such as the Oxford Union, and will submit its report to the Syndicate in two weeks.
During the meeting, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa showed deep concern for the longstanding land issues plaguing the QAU. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the chief justice issued instructions to prioritise and expedite the resolution of these land-related challenges.
The agenda also encompassed deliberations on the recommendations put forth by the selection board.
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa emphasized the paramount importance of strict adherence to rules and regulations to maintain the integrity of the institution.
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa placed a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability during the Syndicate meeting. He stressed the immediate need to implement measures that protect the environment, including effective waste management and sustainable water consumption practices.
Furthermore, the Syndicate members were resolute in their commitment to maintaining a safe and drug-free campus environment.
They discussed measures to eliminate the presence of drugs and arms on the campus, highlighting their dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of the university community.
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa also undertook a visit to the QAU campus. He instructed the relevant authorities to take necessary steps in coordination with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to address pertinent campus-related concerns, reaffirming his commitment to the welfare and progress of the university.