More than 100 students from across Lahore came together for the Tulba Baithak organized by the Progressive Students' Collective (PSC), turning shared frustration over the state of education and shrinking democratic space into collective political action.
The gathering took place just one day after mass detentions during a Kashmir solidarity protest, against a backdrop of increasing restrictions on student activism and political expression. Despite this climate of repression, participants chose to meet, discuss, and organize around the challenges facing students across Pakistan.
The Baithak concluded with the adoption of a Charter of Demands, outlining a collective vision for democratic and accessible education. The charter calls for the restoration of student unions, free and accessible education, the protection of academic freedom, an end to the securitization of campuses, and democratic representation within educational institutions.
Participants emphasized that the absence of elected student bodies has left students without meaningful platforms to raise concerns or influence decisions affecting campus life. The discussions also highlighted the growing commercialization of education, restrictions on political activity within universities, and the need to rebuild student organizing across campuses.
Although educational institutions remain closed for the summer break, the turnout demonstrated that students continue to organize beyond the boundaries of their campuses. Organizers described the Baithak as a step toward rebuilding student solidarity and strengthening collective resistance to policies that undermine democratic participation in education.
The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to continue organizing around the adopted Charter of Demands, reaffirming that the struggle for education cannot be separated from the broader struggle for democracy.
Educate. Organize. Resist.