ISLAMABAD: A large number of students, civil society activists and political workers on Sunday gathered outside the National Press Club, protesting the arrest of almost 200 students of Punjab University last week.

The protest was organised by the Progressive Students Federation (PrSF).

The participants claimed that 196 students had been arrested from Punjab University after a clash broke out between two groups of students.

The detained students were charged under anti-terrorism laws.

Speaking on the occasion, PrSF organiser for Rawalpindi and Islamabad Hasrat Turi said the government should work on maintaining peace in the university.

“Universities and colleges are the places where people from all over the country should explore new ideas and debate in a safe environment. It is condemnable that the arrested students have been charged with terrorist acts,” he said.

Minhaj Swati said successive civilian governments failed to lift the ban imposed on student unions by the martial law regime of Gen Zia.

“Democracy does not mean simply allowing citizens to vote in elections every five years. A democratic society is one where democracy also exists at the local neighbourhood level, workplaces and campuses,” he said.

Awami Workers Party (AWP) Deputy Secretary General Ismat Shahjehan said her party supported the demand for the restoration of student unions.

“The state has placed restrictions on all forms of popular organisations. The only way to bring about genuine democracy in Pakistan is to strengthen all forms of popular organisations, be they worker unions or student unions,” she said.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2018