Sei sulla pagina 1di 2

STUDENT UNIONS

Student unions in the past have played a major role in the politics of the country giving birth to
some of the biggest political leaders including Sheikh Rashid, the leader of Awami Muslim League,
and the current Federal Minister of Railways. Student unions and student politics were banned
in the era of the Military Dictator Zia. Some would argue that this ban was a major setback to the
politics of the country because our youth were left without a voice. These student unions served
as learning centres for the youth who would in the future become political leaders. When student
unions were banned, the politics of the country were left to some mainstream politicians and
their heirs instead of new political talent emerging from the country. Others would argue that
these student unions were the reason for so much violence, and union leaders would often incite
the youth against their institutions. Clashes among various student unions were a daily affair with
many getting injured every day. Leaders of these student unions could be seen violating rules
and regulations and trying to get away with anything they wanted to.
However, it cannot be stressed enough that even though these unions caused violence, they
were essential for the development of new political talent in the country. These student unions
served as a platform for students raising their voices against malpractices within learning
institutions. Students could speak up and ask for their rights instead of bowing down to the
institution’s wills. There is no check and balance of what is happening in these institutions,
whether these institutions are guaranteeing the rights of their students or not.
A recent statement by Prime Minister Imran Khan shows a positive attitude of the government
related to the lifting of the band of student unions. He, in his statement, said that these unions
are essential for the development of youth, however, there also needs to be a check and balance
of the unions to ensure that they don’t cause violence and work in a constituted framework. Let’s
hope that this government isn’t like the PPP govt of 2008 when Yousuf Raza Gillani gave the same
statement without there being much follow up of any kind.
US Taliban Talks

Recent news has surfaced that Washington has resumed talked with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar.
The international community is pleased with this action of the US after Trump had called off the
peace talks. Both the sides were close to striking a deal and ending this war of 18 years. The
Afghanistan war was started after the 9/11 attacks in which close to 3000 people died. The US to
avenge the deaths of these people invaded Afghanistan by giving a reason that Afghanistan is
harbouring terrorists. Then started a long war of 18 years which has proved to be fruitless. Many
people including the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, believe that there is no solution of
the Afghanistan conflict except peace talks. In their opinion, the Taliban can continue this war for
many years to come.
The US has served many losses in the longest war of their history. They have spent approximately
1.2 trillion dollars while losing 2400 soldiers. The number of soldiers stationed in Afghanistan
peaked at 100000.The US bit off more than it could chew and now wants a deal to get out of this
mess which is rightly so. The US is currently fighting against the “good Taliban” on one end and
talking about a peace deal with the “bad Taliban” on the other hand.
Peace in Afghanistan would mean peace for the whole region and that is why Islamabad seems
to be facilitating these peace talks. When these talks broke down Trump had asked Imran Khan
to help out. A Taliban group were then invited to Pakistan and talks were held with them which
could be one reason why these talks have resumed. We can only hope that these talks bear fruit
this time around.

Potrebbero piacerti anche