Students unite against terrorism (snaps)

[LahoreEstate]

Students from various private universities of Karachi gathered outside the Karachi Press Club on Saturday to denounce all acts of terrorism and raise their voice against the closure of educational institutions across the country till Monday. (Text: Aroosa Masroor Photos: Mariam Anwar)



Following the terrorist attack on International Islamic University on October 20 that led to the death of six students, students from private institutions in Karachi stepped out to join hands against terrorists.



‘If they can enter our educational institutions – which is our second home – the day is not far when they would target our homes as well,’ said Nida Aslam, a student who refused to disclose the name of her university for fear of expulsion.

Although the turn-out was quite low, students said they were out to represent ‘all the students of Karachi who, they fear, are the next target of the terrorists




The state apparatus has failed us time and again. Our future is at stake at this point, but the government seems less bothered. All they worry about is their own security,’ lamented another student, Ahmed Shah.

A number of educational institutions in the city have been receiving terror threats, but students complain that the authorities concerned have not failed to take adequate security measures so far.



However, one student Hafsa Tariq, said she was present to protest against the ‘fear’ that has engulfed the Pakistani society. ‘This fear is being spread by the Taliban, the government and the intelligence agencies alike,’ she said referring to the text messages circulating among student circles warning against terror attacks at a number of public places in Karachi.



Students further demanded of the government to redesign the country’s security apparatus and policies as well as improve the working of the police force.



As per the state constitution education is our basic right. We will not allow anyone to interrupt our access to education,’ they said.