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Thursday February 06, 2025

Teachers protest for tax rebate, allowances and service structure reforms

By Our Correspondent
February 05, 2025
Teachers protest against the increase in tax deductions outside NPC on February 4, 2025. — INP
Teachers protest against the increase in tax deductions outside NPC on February 4, 2025. — INP

Islamabad:Teachers and staff under the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) staged a protest in front of the National Press Club, demanding the restoration of tax rebates, education allowances, and improvements in the four-tier service structure. Organised by the Joint Education Action Committee (JEAC), the demonstration included members from various associations such as the Federal Government College Teachers Association (FGCTA), Heads Association, Schools Association, Non-Teaching Association, and the Central Academic Staff Association of Model Colleges (CASA).

Protesters raised slogans in favour of their demands, decrying the increasing financial burden placed on the teaching community. One of the key issues highlighted was the complete abolition of the 100 per cent tax rebate for teachers, a benefit that had been gradually reduced over the years. Before 2012, teachers received a 75 per cent tax rebate, which was later reduced to 40 per cent, then 25 per cent, and has now been entirely revoked.

Professor Tahir Bhatti, General Secretary of FGCTA, criticised the government’s policies, pointing out the stark contrast between the financial treatment of lawmakers and teachers. “While Members of the National Assembly received a 400 per cent salary increase, teachers have been stripped of their tax exemptions. Around the world, teachers receive financial incentives, but in Pakistan, even the few benefits we had are being taken away. This will demotivate educators and ultimately harm the quality of education in the country,” he stated.

Fazal-e-Maula, Chairman of JEAC, expressed frustration over the disparity in allowances across government sectors. “Various departments provide executive allowances, transport monetization, and other financial benefits, yet the education sector remains neglected. We demand an education allowance equal to the running basic pay of both teaching and non-teaching staff under the FDE,” he asserted.

Representatives of CASA, including Professor Rasheed Khan, Dr. Rahima Rehman, and Altaf Hussain, called for fair treatment of teachers, emphasizing their role as nation-builders. Dr. Amanullah from Quaid-i-Azam University urged the government to reinstate the tax rebate, as rising taxation and inflation have drastically impacted the financial stability of educators.

Professor Danish Yaseen, joint secretary of FGCTA, emphasized the critical role of teachers in shaping the future. “Instead of providing incentives, the government is making teaching a financially unviable profession. If this continues, it will discourage talented individuals from joining the education sector,” he warned.

The protesters issued a strong warning of larger demonstrations if their demands are not met. They called on the government to take immediate action to support the teaching community and ensure fair compensation for their important role in society.