Students Unite Nationwide: Solidarity Marches Announced Across Pakistan for Feb 12

LAHORE, Jan 18, 2026: Student organisations from public and private sector educational institutions have announced holding nationwide Student Solidarity Marches on February 12, 2026, to raise awareness about growing issues affecting students across Pakistan.

The announcement was made during a joint press conference held on Saturday at the Lahore Press Club by leaders of the Progressive Students Collective (PSC), student activists, and allied organisations. Organisers confirmed that a major solidarity march in Lahore will take place from Government College University (GCU) to the Punjab Assembly.

Student leaders said the marches aim to address rising cases of student suicides, increasing university fees, mental health challenges, harassment, and the absence of student representation in decision-making bodies. They stated that students are experiencing widespread distress due to administrative pressure and unfair academic policies.

According to speakers, public university students face bureaucratic mismanagement, while private institutions operate under profit-driven models that exploit students. Activists also criticised the government for promoting privatisation instead of regulating private universities.

Speakers highlighted additional concerns, including harassment at university entry points, lack of health insurance despite mandatory health fees, and ineffective complaint mechanisms for sexual harassment cases.

Student representatives reiterated their demand for the restoration of student unions, calling them essential for safeguarding student rights and resolving campus issues. They said the February 12, 2026 marches will serve as a collective demand for education reforms nationwide.

Published by chatzyr.net