By Revolutionary Students Front – RSF
Hundreds of students gathered at Rawalpindi press club on 20th December against the ongoing state oppression and for the restoration of students union, banned by dictator Zia in February 1984.
In a powerful demonstration of resistance and unity, hundreds of students from Rawalpindi and Islamabad convened for the Student Rights Conference. Centered on addressing contemporary crises and exploring revolutionary political alternatives, the event was organized by the RSF (Revolutionary Students Front) Rawalpindi/Islamabad, with active participation from JKNSF, BSO, SLF, NSF, and other organizations.
The conference drew youth from across the twin cities, all resolute in challenging the escalating oppression faced by students.
This gathering comes amid a series of mounting challenges. Educational institutions are increasingly militarized under the pretext of security, while the ongoing economic crisis has added to students’ woes. Soaring tuition fees, inadequate transportation and hostel facilities, and the privatization of public education have further compounded the hardships. Adding to the burden, internet restrictions—despite being a critical resource for academic and professional growth—are systematically imposed.
Educational spaces are fast becoming sites of surveillance, harassment, and repression. The stifling rise in tuition fees, the lack of basic facilities, and the commercialization of education jeopardize the future of countless students, who now bear the dual weight of economic hardship and state oppression.
Key Resolutions Adopted
The conference culminated in the adoption of a unified declaration, with the following demands:
- Immediate Restoration of Student Unions: Lift the ban on student unions and conduct elections for student bodies in all educational institutions.
- Anti-Harassment Committees: Establish committees with student representation, particularly to address harassment faced by female students.
- End to Securitization: Abolish the position of Chief Security Officer and stop the militarization of campuses.
- Freedom of Expression: Remove all restrictions on speech, writing, and political activities in educational institutions.
- Internet Access: End internet shutdowns and provide free, high-quality internet in all educational institutions.
- Reversal of Fee Hikes: Roll back recent tuition fee increases and ensure quality transportation and hostel facilities for students.
- Stop Privatization: Cease the privatization of educational institutions nationwide.
- Curriculum Reform: Eliminate regressive content and restructure the education system based on modern, scientific principles.
- Solidarity with Regional Movements: Support rights and peace movements in Balochistan, Pashtunkhwa, Jammu Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and Sindh.
- Support for Palestine: Demand an immediate halt to the Zionist Israeli state’s oppression in Palestine and call for the arrest of Netanyahu and other war criminals responsible for genocide.
- Release of Political Prisoners: Advocate for the release of Ali Wazir and other political prisoners, and remove political workers from Schedule 4.
A Call to Action
“The education system should empower, not oppress,” declared participants at the conference. Standing in solidarity with all students and youth fighting for their rights, the Revolutionary Students Front reaffirmed its commitment to justice and equality.
The RSF invites students, activists, and concerned citizens to join the movement for restoring students’ unions and rights, as well as to build momentum for a socialist alternative.
