Student unions: Pakistan's missing leadership schools

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Jun, 2026) Every year, students across Pakistan contest elections, organize events, and represent their classmates through student councils. But these bodies are largely symbolic, lacking the authority once exercised by student unions that shaped generations of political and civic leaders. What remains is participation without power. As a result, an important pathway for democratic participation and leadership development has steadily weakened.

Education experts and students say the weakening of student unions, particularly after the 1984 ban imposed during General Zia-ul-Haq's rule, has left a lasting impact on student leadership and representation in educational institutions.

The student council has benefited the society primarily by outlining the structure by which the society will run, holding interviews for the heads and ensuring competency and drive," said Sumayyah Raees Khan, vice-president of the Drama Society, talking to APP. "In an abstract sense, our society assists in diversifying the strengths in the student body."

Beyond organizing activities, student councils teach practical leadership skills. Members learn to conduct meetings, manage projects, resolve conflicts and communicate effectively while representing their fellow students.

The student council has organized events such as fundraising bake sales, school festivals, and have aided in annual events like Frolympics and FROMUN, which encourage student participation. These efforts create a more active and supportive school environment for students across all levels," said Zyna Hajra, an A-Level student , talking to this agency.

Another student and Drama Society president, Daniyal, said the student council played a key role in establishing the Drama Society, providing students with a platform for debates and discussions. Such experiences help students understand elections, representation and democratic decision-making.

However, students believe today's councils face several challenges that limit their effectiveness.

Many trace these challenges to the 1984 ban on student unions introduced during General Zia-ul-Haq's regime. While the decision was taken amid concerns over campus violence and political unrest, many education observers believe it marked a turning point that weakened student representation. Over time, democratic student unions were replaced in many institutions by councils with limited authority, reducing opportunities for leadership and civic participation.

The history of student politics was also shaped by organizations such as the Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba (IJT) and rival student groups. Supporters credit these organizations with promoting student welfare and activism, while critics accuse them of political interference and campus violence.

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The resulting polarization was among the reasons authorities cited while restricting student politics.

The consequences are still visible today. Student representatives often struggle to address their classmates' concerns because of administrative limitations, while ordinary students lose opportunities to participate in meaningful decision-making. Parents also feel disappointed when elections appear unfair or fail to reward merit.

"Some setbacks, I believe, have been a lack of substantial planning, and the failure of collaboration among members, which can result in less efficient production that might speak badly upon the student body," Sumayyah Khan said.

Students also point to low participation, particularly among younger classes, which weakens councils and reduces their ability to organize activities or influence school policies.

Election practices remain another concern.

"My child came home to me, crying, the other day, saying that he lost the election because he wasn't as 'popular' as his opponent," says Mrs. Saima, a parent. Students argue that elections sometimes become popularity contests instead of evaluating leadership ability, leaving capable candidates overlooked.

Experts believe responsibility does not lie with one individual or institution alone. While the 1984 restrictions changed the direction of student politics, schools, education authorities and administrators also determine how much space student representatives are given today. Limited funding, excessive administrative control and weak election procedures continue to restrict councils.

Former Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Chaudhary Rashid Ahmad, believes institutional leadership has an important role.

"As long as the government takes into consideration all the aspects related to the students, this question is not that relevant to the policymakers. It is basically concerned to the heads of institutions who are imparting education to the students and who are responsible for their upbringing and education," he said talking to APP.

Students and educators suggest several reforms, including transparent elections, dedicated budgets for councils, regular communication with school administrations and leadership training programmes. Greater participation by students and stronger institutional support, they believe, can help restore confidence in student representation.

As Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah reminded the nation's youth: "You are the nation-builders of tomorrow and you must fully equip yourself by discipline, education, and training for the arduous task lying ahead of you."