The Student’s Solidarity March, which was conducted yesterday, has highlighted some serious issues that have contributed to the degradation of the education system in Pakistan. The students, via an open letter, presented their grievances to the Prime Minister and enjoined all other students for the protests in their respective cities. They tried to draw the attention of the higher authorities towards the ‘obvious’ flaws in the education system of Pakistan.
They mentioned the issues like the inability of the infrastructure to accommodate a large number of students, the glaring issue of fewer universities, increasing tuition fees and the presence of fake campuses/unrecognized educational institutes all over the country.
They did not just point out the worsened quality of education but also protested against the ban on the student unions.
Students highlighted the issues directly affecting the women and have argued about the way the right-wing extremism has badly influenced the institutes. The letter also discussed the poor hostel facilities. It also explained that the students were deprived of their right to exercise freedom of speech.
They compared the university campuses to prison cells and called for a protest to support the entire student body in the country.
Students presented a set of demands, asking the government to take those measures promptly.
Organizers of the march sent video messages and circulated the pamphlets to ensure that all the students stood up for their own right
Message from organisers of #StudentsSolidairtyMarch. https://t.co/sSiGcH0lLr
— PSC (@PSCollective_) November 29, 2018
The call to action was everywhere.
Students from all over the country took part in this march in their respective cities
Hundreds of leftist students have organised themselves despite a ban on students unions in the country. Today was a big day for the students who marched on the streets of the country #StudentsSolidarityMarch pic.twitter.com/uFYtMn1iFu
— Tooba Syed (@Tooba_Sd) November 30, 2018
It definitely was a true representation of the present wave of student activism in Pakistan
What a day it was for left politics, direct action and student activism in Pakistan. Watch this short video for a glimpse of the successful #StudentsSolidarityMarch in Lahore. Congratulations to @PSCollective_ and to everyone who marched today! pic.twitter.com/hyEuzTQhNi
— Aisha Ahmad (@aishaismad) November 30, 2018
KPK students were also a part of this protest and marched to the Provincial Assembly
We stand in solidarity with the students at University of Peshawar who marched till KPK Assembly to demand their rights. Their demands will also be shared on#StudentsSolidairtyMarch across Pakistan on 30th November. pic.twitter.com/fLc3nb6TRi
— PSC (@PSCollective_) November 29, 2018
They wanted the right to exercise their freedom of speech
My experience as a woman political worker on the streets has been liberating.
Here’s to the women of the left! #StudentsSolidarityMarch pic.twitter.com/uAlHeCTrf1
— Tooba Syed (@Tooba_Sd) November 30, 2018
Students in Islamabad also realized the intensity of the issues mentioned and they also actively took part in the protest
#StudentsSolidarityMarch Ismaabdad , organised by @ProgStudentsFed pic.twitter.com/jZ80niPeVq
— Abdul Hameed Bukhari (@HameedBukhari) December 1, 2018
The entire student body was determined to secure their rights
Scenes at the #StudentsSolidarityMarch today! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/N5f01iMMQz
— Bismah Azhar (@BismahANasir) November 30, 2018
They wanted to utilize this opportunity to ensure that their experience at university changes for the better
It's just the beginning of change #StudentsSolidarityMarch pic.twitter.com/XTpTsnxTcf
— Mahnoor (@mahnoorikhlaq1) November 30, 2018
Students in Quetta also conducted the protest and gathered outside Press Club
Here is from Quetta chapter.
#StudentsSolidarityMarch pic.twitter.com/y2Yngd8DWl— Jaffar Khan Bazai (@jaffar_bazai) November 30, 2018
Their will and determination to acquire political freedom were evident
Zia banned the student organisations and our elected governments have never completely did us of dictatorial rule by maintaining this ban.the students are united in their cause for their political freedom #StudentsSolidarityMarch pic.twitter.com/beRqoKRhPq
— Small Town Girl (@SabrinaWasif) November 30, 2018
The organizers thanked all the individuals who made this protest a success
Congrats to all the students, academics and activists who made the #StudentsSolidarityMarch such a huge success through their labor as the first step of our nationwide education campaign and revival of progressive student politics in country.
More power, love & solidarity to you. pic.twitter.com/JFcYABKCJU— PSC (@PSCollective_) November 30, 2018
The Student’s Solidarity March has certainly raised some serious questions. What do you think about the whole issue? share your opinions in the comment section below.
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Cover image via @Tooba_Sd/Twitter