Political terrorism: Teaching staff urge PTI not to disrupt education

Say closed schools and colleges cannot create a new Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Fearing that the upcoming planned protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf could end up closing schools in the capital, representatives of the teaching and non-teaching staff have demanded that the government and protesters identify a specific location for the planned demonstration so that educational activities can continue unhindered.

At least two colleges have already suspended their classes owing to the brewing uncertain situation in the capital.

Apprehensive of clashes between the government and protesters, representatives of school staff gathered at the National Press Club on Monday to express their concerns over the emerging situation.

They said that the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty surrounding the capital must end and schools should be given protection. The staffers added that the future of students cannot be compromised by what they termed was ‘political terrorism.’

Federal Government Teachers Association President Malik Ameer Khan said students had suffered when the PTI staged a sit-in in 2014. He recalled that schools were closed for weeks while buildings of several schools and colleges were damaged when they were used as barracks for the police officials.

He feared students would not be able to reach their institutions due to unrest in the capital. Khan continued that parents were also anxious about the safety of their children.

“If the schools are closed, students will not be able to appear for their mid-November exams. Consequently, they will not be able to cover the syllabus by the end of the academic session.”

Meanwhile, National University for Science and Technology has announced that it will remain closed till November 2. Officials said the closure could be extended after gauging the situation.

Comsats University also suspended classes for two days in the wake of the PTI protest.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2016.