Peoples Students Federation (PSF)
By Nadeem F.Paracha
The student wing of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). Formed in 1972. Part of progressive students’ alliances, the USM and the PSA in the 1970s and 1980s. Exhibited electoral strength in interior Sindh and northern Punjab. Played a leading role in the anti-Zia agitation in the late 1970s and then again during the MRD movement in 1981 and 1983. Many members were flogged and tortured by the Zia regime. Currently the organising strength behind the PPP rallies.
Ideology: socialist (1970s); progressive (1980s-90s-2000s).
Famous former members: Jehangir Badar (former minister); Masroor Ahsan (former senator); Qasim Zia (former minister/hockey player); Salamullah Tipu (notorious radical).
All Pakistan Muttahida Students Organisation (APMSO)
Urban Sindh-based nationalist students’ group formed in 1978; in retrospect the student forerunner of the Muttahida and the Mohajir Qaumi Movement. Was part of the progressive students alliance, the USM, until becoming an independent force in 1988. Sidelined the IJT’s influence in Karachi. Still strong in Karachi.
Ideology: ethnic-socialist (1970s); militant-ethnic (1980s-90s); liberal (2000s).
Famous former members: Altaf Hussain (politician); Azeem Ahmed Tariq (former minister); Imran Farooq (politician); Dr Farooq Sattar (former minister).
