The decision was taken at a Student Rights Conference organised by the Muttahida Talaba Mahaz Pakistan and hosted by Islami Jamiat Talaba Pakistan at its central secretariat in Lahore's Ichhra area. The conference was chaired by Muttahida Talaba Mahaz central president Rana Usman.
Leaders from different student organisations agreed to work together beyond their political differences to address students' concerns and press for the restoration of student unions.
Addressing a joint press conference after the meeting, Islami Jamiat Talaba Pakistan Nazim e Aala Sahibzada Waseem Haider said student organisations were united on issues affecting students and would jointly campaign for educational reforms and the restoration of student unions.
He urged the federal government to take students' concerns seriously and declare an education emergency. He also called for student union elections to be held as a pilot project at major universities.
Waseem Haider said student voices must be heard to resolve problems in the education sector. He announced plans for a National Students Dialogue, bringing together relevant stakeholders to discuss students' concerns.
He also called for a 300 per cent increase in the Higher Education Commission's budget, saying effective measures were needed to address challenges facing higher education.
The Muttahida Talaba Mahaz will also organise discussions and dialogues at the district level to highlight students' educational problems, he said. He added that the movement aimed to protect students' rights rather than pursue political interests.
Student leaders warned that demonstrations could be held if their demands were not met, including sit-ins outside provincial assemblies.
Student leaders warn of protests
Speaking to Pakistan Matters, Muttahida Talaba Mahaz president Rana Muhammad Usman said all 13 student organisations would take part in the movement for students' rights. He said the organisations would take to the streets if their demands were ignored.
Yasir Abbasi, general secretary of the Muslim Students Federation (N), said his organisation supported the joint effort and could stage a sit-in outside the Chief Minister's House if necessary.
Usama Mushtaq, secretary general of the Mustafa Students Federation, said the organisations were united in seeking solutions to students' problems and were prepared to pursue their agreed demands at every level.
The conference was attended by representatives of several organisations, including the Muslim Students Federation (N), Anjuman Talaba Islam North Punjab, Imamia Students Organisation, Muslim Students League, Insaf Students Federation and National Students Organisation.
