I am afraid that if any kind of fatality occurs accidentally, people will blame it on the teachers as usual
KARACHI: I find it quite strange to learn that the hands which are supposed to hold a pen or a chalk will now be holding guns. It is a pity to hear that, ultimately, the teachers of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) will be given training in handling guns in order to deal with any untoward incident in schools. Although this step may prove to be productive, one must remember that teachers are very sentimental and empathetic in nature and might just never go to the extent of using the gun. There is, of course, no denying that there has been much news regarding malpractices indulged in by teachers. I am afraid that if any kind of fatality occurs accidentally, people will blame it on the teachers as usual.
Moreover, arming teachers will inculcate in students the notion that in order to protect themselves, they must always brandish weapons. This is not a very healthy thing for a child to think. Already, children are seen to make use of toy guns and toy pistols for playing. This depicts that weapons no longer have a shock value for our children. Seeing them in the hands of their teachers will make them further immune to the stigma of killing. I, therefore, request the K-P government to increase manpower in the police services rather than opting for the unprecedented move of making teachers keep guns in schools.
Hafiz Khurram Sajjad
Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th, 2015.
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