The Higher Education Department of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has reversed the termination orders for 42 contract lecturers serving in the newly merged tribal districts, following a series of protests by the affected employees.
The initial decision to terminate these lecturers was made by the managing unit of the Higher Education Department, prompting a demonstration in objection to the move.
Caretaker Minister for Newly Merged Districts Affairs, Industries, Commerce, and Technical Education, Dr. Aamer Abdullah, intervened in response to the situation.
In recognition of the shortage of educational staff in these districts and the critical need for their services, the minister directed the Higher Education Department to reinstate the lecturers on a contractual basis.
He assured that funds would be allocated to cover the expenses associated with retaining these teaching staff.
In accordance with the minister’s instructions, the termination orders for the 42 contract lecturers were rescinded by the concerned department.
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Additionally, the caretaker minister has initiated an inquiry into the reported non-payment of salaries to contractual nursing staff in the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs).
Reacting to media reports highlighting protests and allegations of nine months of salary non-payment, the minister has mandated a written report from the health department to address the issue.
Earlier, a delegation of college lecturers from various newly merged districts had met with Khyber-Paktunkhwa Governor, Haji Ghulam Ali, seeking the reinstatement of lecturers appointed under different projects.
The delegation, representing districts such as Kurram, Waziristan, FR Bannu, Khyber, Kohat, Mirali, Dara Adam Khel, and Alizai, informed the governor about the suspension of 42 lecturers by the Managing Unit of the Higher Education Department.
The governor pledged his cooperation to the delegation, directing the relevant authorities to resolve the issue. Emphasizing the government’s substantial investment in education, he underscored the vital role of teachers in building students’ capacities to meet the challenges of the contemporary world.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 20th, 2024.
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