ISLAMABAD: After securing support of Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, a committee formed by Quaid-i-Azam University has finalised a draft code of conduct and regulations for holding an election to restore the student union on the campus.
The committee proposed that the election for the student union shall be conducted at the university levelwhile at the department/school and institute level, polls for societies would be held. Each society shall have its own elected office-bearers.
Elections for the union and societies shall be held the same day and elected representatives shall hold office for a duration of one year.
The election will be held for president, vice president, general secretary, joint secretary and treasurer.
Draft shared with Ministry of Federal Education for further input, says committee
The committee stated that the university aims to ensure that the student union and societies shall not become offshoots of political parties and “should not promote divisive religious, sectarian, parochial or ethnic agendas.”
The committee has shared the draft code of conduct with the Ministry of Federal Education for further input.
Meanwhile, the QAU on its official X account also sought feedback from students and civil society.
“We have finalised draft, which has been shared with education ministry and, meanwhile, we have also sought feedback from public, which can be incorporated with these code of conduct and regulations,” said a member of the committee. He said people could submit their feedback till Friday.
“We want to conduct elections as soon as possible. Once this draft is approved by ministry, we will place it before the university syndicate for final approval. Then we will move forward for holding the election,” he said.
The draft stated that the student union will serve as the voice of the students, facilitating the articulation of students’ input and feedback to contribute to an improved learning environment at QAU.
This underscores the importance of active student engagement in shaping their educational experience.
It said that the union will play a vital role in organising and supporting various co-curricular activities such as clubs, societies and events, enriching the overall student experience beyond the classroom.
Through its elected positions, the student union will provide opportunities for leadership development, fostering skills in teamwork, communication and problem-solving.
The union will be also helpful in promoting cultural diversity and exchange among students, enhancing mutual understanding and tolerance among the diverse students.
“The union will encourage and organise debates, discussions and forums where students can exchange ideas on various academic, social and global issues.
“This objective aims to foster critical thinking, communication skills and a culture of open dialogue among the student community, enriching their overall intellectual growth,” stated the draft.
It said the union shall facilitate the submission of proposals and recommendations to statutory bodies of the university aimed at improving the academic and administrative performance of QAU and it will also actively engage in constructive dialogue and advocating for positive changes and will contribute to the continuous enhancement of the university’s standards and services, ensuring that the institution remains responsive to the evolving needs of its students.
In September this year, CJP Qazi Faez Isa lent his support to a decision to revive the QAU student union, a move that will pave the way for the revival of student unions in other universities as well.
The decision was taken during a syndicate meeting chaired by the university’s Vice Chancellor Niaz Ahmad Akhtar and also attended by the CJP, who is a member of the forum by virtue of his position.
Student unions were banned in 1984 by the dictator Ziaul Haq in an effort to quell student uprisings against his oppressive policies. The decision left a significant vacuum in Pakistan’s political landscape.
Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2023
