Student power

All the constitutions carry a tinge of passion to do good to the citizens, as does ours by mandating equality of citizens and non-discrimination on the basis of gender. But to some that being not enough the 18th Amendment went further by adding Article 25A to the constitution in 2010, which reads, "The state shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to 16 years in such manner as determined". How ironic, however, it is that we have moved further back from the goalposts. The state of education in the country has gone from bad to worse. Moreover, the parents of students are also being pauperized. That worthwhile education, which every parent would like for his children, is not available in government schools is a fact. But private schools are very expensive. Barring a few exceptions, the apex court's order to reduce the fees has met with crass indifference. But what makes this defiance all the more painful is the series of unhelpful incidents that happened in the recent past - and all, invariably, suggesting that this 'rose in the garden' is mere grass to be trampled at will. However, the one that recently happened at the University of Balochistan campus is most painful and disgusting. The students' reaction to it, however, has been branded as "political" activity to be checked through "necessary action". Earlier, the Punjab University declared persona non grata an M.Phil student for alleged participation in "violent" activities on the campus - the word 'violent' in this case stands for his protest against shortage of buses. And to all of it the government was a silent spectator.

Rightly then, one is left with no option but to warmly welcome the Students Solidarity March held in many cities across the country. When concerned authorities remain indifferent to the nation's most precious asset, students themselves have taken their destiny in their own hands. They have demanded restoration of student unions, the reversal of budget cuts, the formation of sexual harassment committees, and an end to ethnic, gender and religious discrimination on university campuses. There is, however, a word of caution, both for students and political parties - the former should not become cat's paw of the latter. Most agonizing misfortune of the obtaining scenario is 'recruitment' of students as foot soldiers of political parties. Historically, students did trigger many revolutionary movements, fighting not for their own rights but also for democracy and socio-political changes - as they did by standing by the side of Quaid-e-Azam. But that is no more the case in the Quaid's Pakistan now.

Therefore, while we are fully supportive of restoration of student unions and we would also like that political parties give up on this practice of having youth-wings. Also, the parliament should enact a law prohibiting formation of such youth-wings by political parties. If in the past this was justified in the name of nurturing the country's future political leadership, this is no more required because of unprecedented incisive reach of media and internet. How expensive is access to good schools that is one more issue which calls for immediate remedial steps. The government schools are being elbowed out essentially because of their poor quality of teaching. Given proper official patronage and financial assistance there is no reason why they cannot compete with their rivals. It is hoped the protest by students will shine light on the inadequacies besetting our schooling system and help Pakistan nurture the growth of this abundant national capital - the educated youth.