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Key Points

Teachers and students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are staging widespread protests against the provincial government's plan to outsource low-enrollment colleges. The Professors and Lecturers Association is boycotting classes and challenging proposed changes to teacher promotion rules. Students from multiple districts have blocked roads and held demonstrations to express their opposition. The protesters argue that education is a fundamental right and should not be treated as a business commodity.

Key Points: KP Teachers and Students Protest College Outsourcing Plan

  • Teachers boycotting classes in government colleges across KP
  • Students blocking roads to demonstrate against outsourcing plan
  • KPPLA action committee vows to continue protest until demands are met
  • Protesters oppose MPhil degree requirement for teacher promotions
2 min read

Pakistan: Students, teachers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continue protest against outsourcing of colleges

Professors and students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continue protests against government's plan to outsource low-enrollment colleges and modify promotion rules.

"Education is a national necessity and a fundamental right of students, which cannot be sold in the market for business and profit. - Hafiz Farmanullah, JTI Provincial General Secretary"

Islamabad, Oct 7

The action committee of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Professors and Lecturers Association (KPPLA) has vowed to continue its boycott of classes against the provincial government's decision to outsource the low-enrolled colleges. The committee is also protesting against the proposal to connect the promotion of college teachers to an MPhil degree and research work in their respective subjects, local media reported on Tuesday.

The committee held a meeting chaired by Professor Qazi Zafar Iqbal, which unanimously decided to continue the protest until the higher education department withdraws the decision, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported. The teachers in government colleges were not present in classes after 10 am while students held protest against the decision to outsource the colleges.

During the meeting, it was decided that the local units of the teachers association will hold meetings with the leaders in their areas to inform them regarding the outsourcing of colleges and proposed changes in the service rules for the teachers promotion, wherein education department seeks to set MPhil as qualification as one of the condition for promotion. The teachers will urge the lawmakers to raise this issue at the provincial assembly. The action committee warned that the teachers will expand the protest if the government did not withdraw the decisions.

Meanwhile, the students of Shabqadar Government Degree College in Charsadda held a protest against the outsourcing of the colleges with low enrolment. The students carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against the decision urged government to withdraw the decision.

Students of Government Postgraduate College in Swabi blocked the Swabi-Mardan Road for several hours to stage protest against the outsourcing of colleges. Led by Pakhtun Students Federation, protesting students gathered at the institution and marched to Gohati Bus Stop, another leading Pakistani daily 'The Express Tribune' reported.

Similarly, students held protest against provincial government's decision to outsource educational institutions at the College Chowk in Mardan on Monday. During the protest organised by Jamiat Talaba Islam, Mardan chapter, students blocked the main thoroughfare for several hours which caused traffic jam on the road.

While addressing the protests, JTI provincial General Secretary Hafiz Farmanullah criticised the provincial government's decision to hand over 55 public colleges to the private sector. Calling education a national necessity and a fundamental right of students, he said that it cannot be allowed to be 'sold' in the market for 'business' and 'profit.'

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I understand the need for educational reforms, making MPhil mandatory for promotions seems unfair. Many experienced teachers may not have the resources to pursue higher degrees. The government should consider alternative evaluation methods.
A
Arjun K
Students blocking roads for protests shows how passionate they are about their education. In India too we've seen similar protests when governments try to privatize education. Education is a right, not a luxury! 🎓
S
Sarah B
As someone who works in education, I can see both sides. While outsourcing might improve efficiency in some cases, it often leads to increased fees and reduced accessibility for poorer students. The balance is crucial.
V
Vikram M
The teachers' unity across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is impressive. When educators stand together for their rights and for quality education, it shows their commitment to the profession. Hope the government listens to their genuine concerns.
M
Michael C
While I support the right to protest, blocking major roads for hours affects ordinary citizens. There should be more constructive ways to voice concerns without disrupting public life. The government should create proper dialogue channels.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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