Music teachers beaten during protest

The protest by IBA-qualified music teacher candidates from across Sindh entered its eighth consecutive day outside the Karachi Press Club, as they continued to demand the issuance of their pending joining orders.

The protesters claimed they had cleared the Sindh government's recruitment test conducted by IBA two years ago, received offer letters, but have still not been allowed to assume their posts. The prolonged delay, they said, has caused severe personal and financial distress.

Tensions escalated when the teachers attempted to march towards the Red Zone, prompting a police baton charge to stop them. Several protesters were briefly detained, and a heavy police deployment surrounded the area. Undeterred, the teachers staged a sit-in outside the Press Club, chanting slogans and vowing to continue until their joining orders are officially issued.

Later in the evening, the demonstrators shifted their protest to Sabri Baig Shaheed Road, where they held another sit-in, leading to traffic disruption in the area. The road was eventually reopened after the protesters dispersed and returned to their original protest camp. Police later confirmed that the detained individuals would be released shortly.

Responding to the situation, Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah defended the recruitment process, stating it had been conducted on merit and with full transparency.

"If the candidates believe they are rightfully entitled, they should seek redress through the courts," the minister said. "Alternatively, if they agree, the government is willing to re-advertise the vacant positions."

Despite the statement, the protesting teachers remained firm in their stance, vowing to continue their movement until formal employment orders are issued.