IJT Observes ‘Black Day’ Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Against Ban on Student Unions

As part of the observance, symbolic protests are being staged in major universities across the province to demand the reinstatement of student unions.

PESHAWAR: The Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba (IJT) is observing ‘Black Day’ today, February 10, across universities, colleges, and residential areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to protest the continued ban on student unions. Similar demonstrations are being held nationwide.

As part of the observance, symbolic protests are being staged in major universities across the province to demand the reinstatement of student unions.

Ban on Student Unions a Threat to Democracy: IJT

In a statement regarding ‘Black Day,’ Hassan Bilal Hashmi, the central Nazim-e-Aala (chief) of IJT Pakistan, criticized the government for failing to restore student unions despite the Supreme Court’s October 24, 2024, verdict and announcements by the Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments. He questioned why student unions remain inactive despite legal and governmental support for their revival.

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Hashmi further stated that student unions are a fundamental democratic right and serve as a nursery for political leadership. He condemned the 1984 ban imposed by military ruler General Zia-ul-Haq, emphasizing that even after 41 years, student unions have not been reinstated.

The IJT leader urged federal and provincial governments to take concrete steps to restore student unions and conduct elections immediately. He also called on political parties to move beyond rhetoric and play a serious role in their revival.