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.
A joint meeting of EOBI officials and traders at Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry on February 5, 2025. —...
The International Islamic University, Islamabad . — X/IIUI_OFFICIAL/FileIslamabad:The second phase of the IIUI...
Newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi , Prof. Dr...
People participate in the Kashmir Solidarity walk to show solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir against the...
Central President of All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association Dr. Malik Abrar Hussain seen in this...
Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin attends an awareness session to mark World Cancer Day on...