KARACHI; The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Wednesday directed authorities to submit a detailed report within five weeks on the development of a code of conduct for student union elections, while hearing a petition seeking the revival of student unions in educational institutions across the province.
The petition, filed by student leader Taimore Ahmad and others through advocate Usman Farooq, argues that the absence of student unions has weakened students’ representation, reduced their ability to raise collective concerns, and curtailed healthy political engagement on campuses.
During the hearing before the SHC bench, Advocate Usman Farooq informed the court that the Ministry of Universities and Boards had been asked earlier to clarify what steps had been taken toward restoring student unions.
In response, the Director Legal of Karachi University submitted a statement confirming that work had begun on drafting rules and regulations for student union elections.
According to the counsel, the Central Students Advisory Council of Karachi University has already formulated a proposed constitution for student unions, which has been forwarded to the Secretary of Universities for further review and approval.
The court directed the concerned authorities to finalise and present a progress report on the evolving code of conduct within five weeks, signalling its intent to ensure that procedural and regulatory frameworks are in place before any elections are held.
Student unions in Pakistan were banned in 1984 under General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime, citing concerns over campus violence and political clashes. While a Supreme Court ruling in 1993 allowed student societies with restrictions, the ban on formal student unions effectively remained.
In recent years, there has been renewed debate over their restoration, with advocates arguing that unions are essential for nurturing democratic values, leadership skills, and political awareness among youth, while critics warn of the risk of political party interference and campus unrest.
The SHC’s proceedings mark another step in the long-standing legal and political struggle to reintroduce student unions in Pakistan’s universities and colleges.
