The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided not to upgrade primary school teachers due to a shortage of funds.
According to finance department sources, there’s no concrete plan in place to raise teachers’ pay scales, and the government claims that supporting these increased salaries would create a significant financial burden.
This decision is raising eyebrows, as many wonder why the provincial government is reportedly considering purchasing a stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) while basic education needs remain unmet. Critics argue that education funding should take priority, especially given the crucial role teachers play in shaping young minds.
Sources within the finance department further revealed that numerous education initiatives have been left incomplete due to financial constraints. The province currently lacks funding for free textbooks and for paying salaries of community school teachers. The government has stated it might revisit the teachers’ promotion demands only when the province’s financial situation improves.
Earlier, thousands of teachers staged a four-day sit-in protest in Peshawar, demanding the promised upgrades. After receiving assurances from the government, teachers ended their protest, hoping the administration would follow through. Yet, with this recent announcement, their optimism appears to have been in vain.
The decision to prioritize potential ownership in a struggling airline over the fundamental needs of education has drawn criticism. As one education advocate put it, “It’s disheartening that the government can entertain ambitions for airline ownership but cannot find resources for our teachers.” This choice reflects poorly on the administration’s commitment to education, leaving many to wonder where its priorities truly lie.
