There is a common norm for political party student wings at the University of Karachi – if an issue is at odds with your views, the only way to deal with it is through disruption and menace.
The members of these wings are university going students. One would expect, at this level, a certain sense of maturity and control over emotions from individuals at this age. Unfortunately, student politics has led them down quite the opposite path.
There is hardly any wall or corner devoid of graffiti favouring or defaming one political party or the other. Student political wings, however, posses a more emotional attitude, or regard it as a personal favour to someone, rather than practicing the actual essence of politics, which is, solving problems faced by the public.
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Political posters on the wall at Karachi University. Photo: Minerwa Tahir[/caption]
Some of the political posters can impact these grooming minds in a very destructive manner. For example, if a student sees the American flag imprinted on the ground in front of the Arts lobby every day, the psychological impact on her/his mind would be the development of a tendency of intolerance.
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The US flag painted on the floor near the Arts Lobby, Karachi University. Photo: Minerwa Tahir[/caption]
The acceptability of intolerant views in an already intolerant society is the last thing we need.
It is grotesque that we see many people walking with dirty shoes on the flag, succeeding only in sparking unnecessary hatred.
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Political posters on the wall at Karachi University. Photo: Minerwa Tahir[/caption]
Why are we so incapable of voicing our views without being disrespectful?
One is only left to wonder.
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Political posters on the wall at Karachi University. Photo: Minerwa Tahir[/caption]
There is no possible rationale behind this act of disgracing the flag of another country. One may not like a particular country for its policies and attitudes, or for whatever other reason (the validity of your likeness or dislike is not the question here), but that does not justify insulting that country’s flag.
Moreover, the Americans couldn’t care less about how a bunch of rowdy students in Karachi desecrate their cultural representations, burn their flag or draw it on the grounds of the university premises to make sure people walk on it. Such absurd forms of protest will only have a detrimental effect on the people who see this grave insult daily.
It will not cause the US to change its policies!
Where is the admin?
Unfortunately, the administration is helpless when it comes to political student wings. When I went to take pictures of the American flag, I decided that I would talk to the student responsible for it and see if he would be willing to answer some of my questions.
On seeing him I asked,
“Do you know who is responsible for this flag’s desecration?” “The administration of Karachi University is responsible for this. Now you should go,” he replied.Taken aback at the threatening tone in his words, I decided to verify this information with the chairperson of my department. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"]
The US flag painted on the floor near the Arts Lobby, Karachi University. Photo: Minerwa Tahir[/caption]
Dr Tahir Masood told me that it is one of the student unions who is responsible and not the administration.
“The administration is helpless and at times uninterested at the hands of these student unions,” he stated.I told him that if I write about the issue then perhaps the administration might be propelled to take action.
“You should not hold high hopes in this regard” was his honest advice to me.The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) incident, when KU students created chaos because ‘loud music was being played’ at one of IBA’s functions is yet another example of the intolerant attitude that exists in these political wings. Different methods are employed by student political unions for carrying out their ‘activities’ – most of which are present just to disrupt the functioning of the educational institution. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="337"]
A political poster on the wall at Karachi University. Photo: Minerwa Tahir[/caption]
To give you a brief introduction to how the university works, you should be warned that at orientation day, after the chairperson’s address, you will be subjected to hearing the manifestos of all the parties, one by one, and you will be invited to join.
Secondly, two groups clashing with each other is a regular sight. Apolitical students are told to go home before the clash starts because most of the times, such brawls are pre-planned.
Many a times, classes are cancelled because student members have to attend ‘meetings’.
Moreover, you can get your way out of any trouble, irregular attendance fine or cheating in exams, so long as you have the support of one of the parties. To sum it all up, you can do ‘anything’ at the university if you are affiliated with a party.
There are two broad categories that all of the student unions at KU fall into in terms of ideology: the liberal and the conservative.
The liberals would demand absolute freedom of expression, while the conservatives would ask for a rigid adherence to cultural and religious values as determined by them.
This polarisation begets extreme intolerance of the other’s view.
Both groups work incessantly at galvanising and recruiting more members, leaving no stone unturned. They will offer unwanted help and support to increase their following. However, most of the parties from both categories follow a similar democratic, organisational structure with an elected governing body.
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A political poster on the wall at Karachi University. Photo: Minerwa Tahir[/caption]
This dominant trend of political party-based student politics is corrupting the environment of educational institutions throughout Pakistan.
The violence that erupted after the Punjab University administration decided to convert a party stronghold into a girls’ hostel is yet another example of this corruption. Moreover, alleged connections with terrorist organisations reflect a growing inclination towards intolerance and extremism.
Drugs and alcohol were said to be uncovered from a party position holder. We cannot be sure if these are the routine activities of a party or if they are trapped into allegations, as they say. But surely, where there is smoke there is fire? It has to be something that always brings these parties into disrepute and I doubt that they are always 'innocent'.
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'Down with America, Israel and India' written on the road near the administration building at Karachi University. Photo: Minerwa Tahir[/caption]
It was my responsibility to highlight this issue as a student.
We need to join hands and address this issue collectively. Authorities, like the political leadership need to take serious measures in this direction. It is a sad state of affairs that even university administrations are helpless at the strength of the mentioned student unions.
Incidents such as the violence at IBA and Punjab University are the outcomes when there are no checks and balances conducted. It would be a much better sight for the students if, instead of political banners posted on walls, there would be more educational and intellectual material posted.
I do not speak against the right, of these political academic wings, to free expression but this right should not be misused. They are entitled to have their political meetings but not at the cost of cancelling classes. Peaceful, non-violent and ‘decent’ protests against any issue are always welcome.
In short, it is imperative to keep in mind that you are always free to swing your arm as long as it does not come in the way of another person.