Why Are Students and Teachers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Protesting Against College Outsourcing?
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Synopsis
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the KPPLA is staunchly opposing the provincial government’s outsourcing of low-enrollment colleges, linking it to broader concerns over educational integrity. This protest has escalated, with students joining teachers in voicing their dissent, demanding a reconsideration of policies that affect their future.
Key Takeaways
- KPPLA continues class boycott against outsourcing.
- Proposal to link promotions to MPhil is controversial.
- Students join protests demanding government action.
- Education is viewed as a fundamental right.
- Teachers warn of escalating protests if demands are unmet.
Islamabad, Oct 7 (NationPress) The action committee of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Professors and Lecturers Association (KPPLA) has firmly decided to continue their class boycott in response to the provincial government’s plan to outsource colleges with low student enrollment. The committee is also voicing their opposition to a proposal that links the advancement of college teachers to acquiring an MPhil degree and conducting research in their specific fields, as reported by local media on Tuesday.
During a meeting led by Professor Qazi Zafar Iqbal, the committee reached a consensus to persist with the protest until the higher education department retracts its decision, according to Pakistan's leading daily, Dawn. Teachers in government colleges refrained from attending classes past 10 am, while students joined in the protest against the outsourcing initiative.
The committee agreed that local branches of the teachers' association would engage with local leaders to raise awareness regarding the outsourcing and the proposed modifications to teachers' promotion criteria, which would require an MPhil as a prerequisite for advancement. Teachers plan to urge lawmakers to bring this issue to the provincial assembly. The action committee cautioned that they would escalate their protests if the government fails to revoke these decisions.
In a related development, students from Shabqadar Government Degree College in Charsadda protested against the outsourcing of low-enrollment colleges, carrying banners and placards with messages urging the government to reverse its decision.
Students at Government Postgraduate College in Swabi blocked the Swabi-Mardan Road for hours to demonstrate against the college outsourcing. Led by the Pakhtun Students Federation, the protesting students gathered at their college and marched to Gohati Bus Stop, as reported by another prominent Pakistani daily, The Express Tribune.
Additionally, students organized a protest at College Chowk in Mardan against the provincial government's outsourcing plan, with the Jamiat Talaba Islam, Mardan chapter leading the charge. The protest caused significant traffic disruptions as students blocked the main road for several hours.
During the protests, JTI provincial General Secretary Hafiz Farmanullah denounced the provincial government's decision to transfer control of 55 public colleges to the private sector. He emphasized that education is a national necessity and a fundamental right for students, stating that it should not be commodified for business and profit.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the legitimate concerns raised by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Professors and Lecturers Association. The outsourcing of educational institutions raises questions about the quality of education and teachers' job security. This situation demands careful consideration and dialogue between stakeholders to ensure the preservation of educational standards and the rights of educators and students alike.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are teachers protesting in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?
Teachers are protesting against the government's decision to outsource low-enrollment colleges and connect teacher promotions to an MPhil degree requirement.
What are the demands of the protesting teachers?
The protesting teachers demand the withdrawal of the outsourcing decision and the proposed changes to promotion criteria based on MPhil qualifications.
How are students involved in the protests?
Students are actively participating by organizing protests and rallies to express their opposition to the outsourcing of their colleges.
What impact does outsourcing have on education?
Outsourcing may threaten the quality of education and undermine job security for teachers, leading to concerns about the commodification of education.
What is the future of education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amidst these protests?
The future of education depends on the government's response to the protests and whether it engages with teachers and students to address their concerns.
