Teachers Announce to Shut Down the Academic Process in KP

Thousands of students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) may lose their academic future as the All-Primary Teachers Association (APTA) has decided to lock all the schools in the province. Teachers are to close down the learning process in over 26,000 boys and girls primary schools from 5th November across the province due to their long-pending issues. This move may put the parents and students in an unfair situation. The schools will remain closed until the government fulfills the demand of teachers.

Teachers’ Struggle for Rights

The decision to shut down schools follows years of unresolved issues faced by primary school teachers. The teachers, represented by APTA, are protesting for several key demands that they believe are essential to improve the education system and secure their rights. APTA President Azizullah Khan has described this protest as historic, stressing that the teachers have been left with no choice but to take drastic measures after repeated delays in government action.

What Are the Teachers Demanding?

The demands put forward by APTA include the upgradation of posts, regularization of 13,500 teachers, and the reinstatement of forced promotions that were previously removed. One of the major concerns raised by the teachers is the fear of privatization of primary schools, which they believe could lead to a decrease in job security and quality of education. Teachers are also calling for class-specific teacher appointments in every primary school, particularly in the merged districts of KP, where educational resources are already stretched thin.

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In addition, APTA is demanding the revival of the “Fargo Option,” a system that allowed more efficient teacher promotions, and the inclusion of teachers regularized under the 2022 Act in the General Provident (GP) Fund.

Protest Plan and Impact on Schools

The protest is scheduled to begin with a large sit-in at Jinnah Park in Peshawar on November 5, with teachers vowing to continue indefinitely until their demands are met. The closure of over 26,000 schools will affect hundreds of thousands of students, disrupting their education and daily routines. APTA members, including many female teachers, are expected to participate in large numbers, highlighting the widespread frustration among educators across KP.

Dialogue Still an Option

Despite the protest plans, APTA has expressed willingness to negotiate with the government. They emphasize that their preference is for dialogue, not disruption, but they believe that without serious engagement from officials, the education system in KP could be paralyzed.

The coming days will be crucial as both the government and the teachers navigate this tense situation, with parents, students, and communities anxiously waiting for a resolution.

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