ISLAMABAD: Expressing support and solidarity with protesting students outside the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC), PPP parliamentary leader in the Senate Senator Sherry Rehman demanded the government resolve their issue.

“Even after students were fainting in front of us and on live TV, the government did not care. All they are asking for is their meagre quota of medical scholarships to be restored. Is it too much to ask for? This is shameful and inexcusable dereliction of duty by “Tabahi Sarkar,” she said.

Ms Rehman the other day also visited the camp of the protesting students. According to a press release, she said: “Our students from Fata and Balochistan have been sitting outside in this pandemic, protesting for their rights since the past 14 days. It is shocking that no one from the government has even come to listen to their grievances. Now these students are on a hunger strike since the last 3-4 days but once again Tabahi Sarkar seems to be least bothered,” she said.

“Their demands are not being heard, instead this government has finished their scholarships. We all know how Fata and Balochistan are being neglected. The state of their education and development is in front of everyone. So, instead of providing opportunities, enhancing their access to scholarships, Tabahi Sarkar through the controversial new PMC is even taking away their seats and medical scholarships,” she added.

Ms Rehman said: “We are in the middle of a pandemic and now more than ever, we need qualified doctors, paramedics and nurses. Instead of increasing seats for medical colleges, this is what the government is doing. The way these students are being treated is truly appalling. Who will take responsibility for this?”

“Unfortunately, this indifference by the government is not new. Institutions are being demolished one after another via presidential ordinances. What the government has done to PMDC, HEC, Steel Mills, PIA and PTDC is in front of the world.”

She claimed that half of Pakistan is on the streets. From government employees to lady health workers, everyone is protesting.

“These students should be protected and facilitated by our state as they are the future of our country. There should be a network of hospitals and medical collages in the rural areas. What kind of Naya Pakistan is this where the students are on a hunger strike?

“This issue was raised in the less-developed areas committee in the Senate and promises were made. But like always, these promises turned out to be false and now the students are suffering,” she said.

“PPP will always stand with the students of this country and will ensure that their rights are protected. We do not accept the illegal ordinance through which HEC is being destroyed and we demand that the seats and scholarships of these students are increased,” she said.

Published in Dawn, April 12th, 2021