The Sindh High Court (SHC) has dismissed a petition seeking the restoration of student unions and ordered the petitioner to pay a fine of Rs. 10,000.
Justice Adnan Al-Karim Memon heard the petition during a court session. While reviewing the case, the court questioned the purpose and benefits of reviving student unions.
Justice Memon asked why the petitioner wanted to further disrupt the education system when it was already facing serious challenges.
In response, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that student unions provide representation to students in decision-making processes, similar to labor unions in factories.
The court also questioned whether the petitioner was still a student, pointing out that the case file included documents dating back to 2021.
After considering the arguments, the court rejected the petition and directed the petitioner to deposit the fine with the Sindh High Court.
Student unions have remained banned in Pakistan since February 9, 1984, when then military ruler General (retd) Zia-ul-Haq imposed a blanket ban on them.
The ban deprived young people of an important platform for political engagement, limiting opportunities for students to develop political awareness and take part in shaping the country’s future.