By Omar Abdullah
Remembering Mashal Khan Webinar
To honor the sixth death anniversary of Mashal Khan a Zoom webinar was organized by Revolutionary Students Front (RSF) in which leaders of several progressive student organizations participated on 12th April 2023. Student leaders from across Pakistan gathered to commemorate his life and struggle.
They shared their experiences on ground and discussed the worsening situation on university campuses. Since the brutal lynching of Mashal Khan extremism on campus has only worsened. Right wing elements are given a free hand by university administration to moral police students, in many cases resorting to violence and brutal killing. Fee hikes, availability of safe and affordable hostels, deteriorating quality of education and militarisation of campuses were some other issues discussed. They highlighted the significance of student politics in the present political turmoil and discussed the challenges that students face while engaging in political activities.
Awais Qarni Central Organizer Revolutionary Students Front, Mujeeb Akbar Deputy Secretary Jammu Kashmir National Student Federation, Changez Baloch Chairman Baloch Students Organization , Usman Satti Divisional President Peoples Student Federation Rawalpindi, Ikram Ullah Central Organizer Haqooq-e-Tulba Tahreek, Haris Azaad General Secretary Progressive Students Collective, Jai Kumar President Progressive Student Federation Sindh, Jahangir Khan President Peoples Student Federation Baluchistan, Waqas Shinwari President Pukhtoon Students Federation Peshawar University,, Laiba Ali Organizer Feminist Students Collective, and Jamil Baloch President National Student Federation spoke at the event.
They emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity among students and called for a collective effort to address the issues faced by students in the current political climate. The event concluded with a tribute to Mashal Khan, who was a victim of mob violence on campus. The speakers reiterated the need for a peaceful and inclusive environment for students to engage in political activities and urged the authorities to take measures to ensure the safety and security of students. The need to join forces and create a united front was stressed upon. The webinar was a timely reminder of the role that students play in shaping the political landscape and the importance of protecting their rights and freedoms and how once more it is time for students to put aside their differences and come together for a larger cause.
Apart from webinar rallies and protests held in different cities.
Islamabad
Lahore
On the occasion of Mashal Khan’s sixth death anniversary, progressive student organizations paid homage to Mashal Khan through torch bearer Rally at Liberty Chowk Lahore. Active participation of students and activists from PSC, RSF, JKNSF, PTM, Pashtun Students Organization and Pashtun Councils and other progressive student organizations paid rich tribute to Mashal Khan.
Mirpur Khas
Comrades of Revolutionary Students Front and Youth of Mirpurkhas light candles during a vigil ceremony to pay homage to comrade Mashal Khan and Professor Dr. Ajmal Sawand in front of Mirpurkhas Press Club.
Rawalakot
On the occasion of 6th death anniversary of “Mashal Khan” Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation (JKNSF) Rawalakot took a torch bearer rally against inflation, unemployment, ban on students union, privatization and imperial slavery. The torch bearer rally culminated in a public meeting at Zaheer Chowk. Students and activists of JKNSF, PRF joined the rally and Central President JKNSF Khalil Babar addressed the participants. Moez Akhtar, President of RSF Rawalpindi Islamabad, also participated in the rally.
Muzaffarabad
JKNSF and PRF held a seminar in Muzaffarabad to pay tribute to the Mashal Khan.
Bagh
JKNSF held seminar to pay homage to the struggle of Mashal Khan at Bagh, Kashmir.
