RAWALPINDI, Feb 10: The activists of Islami Jamiat Tulaba (IJT) observed a black day on Monday against the ban on students unions imposed by a military dictator about 20 years ago.

Several students participated in silent protest marches held in different colleges. They hoisted black flags in their colleges and wore black bands.

The biggest demonstration was held at Government Postgraduate College for Boys, Satellite Town, which was jointly led by the Jamiat local chief, Dr Ishtiaq Irfan and college Nazim Umar Hayat Abbasi.

Similar protests were also staged in Government Asghar Mall College, Gordon College, Government Commerce College and other educational institutions.

The protesters were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans condemning the ban.

Speaking to the activists, union leaders criticized the ban imposed on student unions by a military dictator on February 9, 1984.

The Constitution gives all rights of unionism to students, they said. The Supreme Court has also given its verdict in this regard, they added.

“The ban is equal to dishonouring both the Constitution and the verdict of superior courts.”

They demanded early restoration of student unions in educational institutions.