Role of Students for the Provision of Fundamental Rights in Sindh During Military Regime (1958-1988)

Abstract

This paper examines the significant role played by student movements in advocating for and safeguarding fundamental rights in Sindh during Pakistan's military regimes, particularly under General Ayub Khan (1958–1969) and General Zia-ul-Haq (1977–1988). Amidst authoritarian rule that curtailed democratic freedoms, students emerged as formidable agents of resistance, challenging state-imposed limitations on civil liberties. Through organized protests, political activism, and alliances with labor and peasant movements, student groups in Sindh not only resisted oppressive policies but also championed the restoration of constitutional rights. Their activism was instrumental in the formation of the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD), a significant political alliance opposing military dictatorship. This study delves into the strategies employed by student organizations, the challenges they faced, and their enduring impact on the political landscape of Sindh. By analyzing historical documents, interviews, and archival materials, the paper highlights the resilience and agency of students in the face of repression, underscoring their crucial contribution to the struggle for fundamental rights in Pakistan.