SC seeks details from govt committee on student unions revival

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court sought a detailed report from the government-formed committee tasked with devising a framework for the revival of student unions on Wednesday before adjourning the hearing indefinitely.

During proceedings, Additional Attorney General Aamir Rehman informed the court that a committee had been constituted to determine the procedure for restoring student unions across educational institutions. He added that the committee had also submitted an interim report.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that in the past, university students often acted as political wings of various parties. “Political flags will inevitably appear if student unions become extensions of political parties,” he observed.

Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan echoed this sentiment, noting that even state institutions now function like party wings. The bench also pointed out that bar councils and associations have similarly become politicised.

Senate panel pushes for permanent varsity VCs, revival of student unions

Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi highlighted that the real issues exist in public universities, not private ones.

The court distinguished between legitimate student welfare associations and politically affiliated student bodies, underscoring that the two should not be conflated.

The court directed the government to provide complete details of the committee’s findings before adjourning the case for an indefinite period.