KARACHI – The Sindh High Court (SHC) has summoned the registrar of the University of Karachi to appear at the next hearing of a petition challenging the failure to hold student union elections despite the enactment of a relevant law in 2019.
During the hearing, Justice Ali Haider directed the university registrar to appear before the court and explain why the law introduced in 2019 had not been implemented regarding the student union.
The court questioned the university’s failure to conduct student union elections, asking why the polls had not been held even though legislation providing for them had been enacted seven years ago.
The proceedings focused on the delay in implementing the law and the university administration’s responsibility to ensure compliance with its provisions.
During the hearing, the court also sought information about the petitioner. In response, Advocate Usman Farooq informed the bench that the petitioner was a law student.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that student unions play an important role in promoting democratic values and developing leadership skills among young people.
He maintained that student unions provide students with opportunities to participate in democratic processes, express their views and develop leadership abilities through representative activities.
The petition challenges the continued absence of student union elections at the University of Karachi despite the legal framework established in 2019.
The court has sought an explanation from the university administration regarding the prolonged delay, with the registrar required to clarify the reasons for non-implementation of the law at the next hearing.
The SHC subsequently adjourned further proceedings until the second week of November.