Street protests threatened over delay in tax rebate for teachers

Islamabad:The Federal Government College Teachers Association (FGCTA) has voiced displeasure over the authorities' failure to implement the promised 25 percent tax rebate for teachers and researchers, and warned if the issue wasn't resolved without delay, it would give a call for street protests.

During an emergency meeting called here on Thursday to discuss the future course of action, the FGCTA leaders said the tax rebate, meant to provide immediate financial relief to the inflation-hit teaching community, was part of an agreement reached on Feb 21 between a committee led by Rana Sanaullah, adviser to the prime minister, and the core committee of the All Government Employees Grand Alliance.

They, however, complained that the Finance Ministry had yet to issue a notification to enforce the rebate, leaving teachers in a state of uncertainty. FGCTA president Prof Akram Khan Khosa underscored the government’s obligation to honour the terms of the agreement.

"The delay in issuing the notification for the 25% tax rebate is causing unrest and disappointment among teachers," he said. Prof Akram urged Rana Sanaullah to ensure the immediate implementation of the rebate to help address the financial issues of teachers.

Senior vice president of the association Ayesha Kiran warned that further delays would exacerbate the financial hardships of the teaching community. "If the government fails to act on its decision, it will only deepen the suffering of teachers who are already grappling with economic challenges," she said. Joint secretary of the association Danish Yaseen also highlighted the urgency of the matter, especially with the Eidul Fitr festival approaching.

"It is the government’s duty to uphold its promises and direct the Finance Ministry to issue the notification promptly. Teachers deserve timely relief, particularly during this festive season," he said.

President of the association's local unit at H-9 College Professor Muhammad Abbas Baloch said that the government should increase the tax rebate for teachers, as their salaries were considerably lower than those of employees from ministries.

He pointed out that ministry officials receive executive and other allowances in addition to their salaries, while teachers are deprived of any special allowances, so a 100% tax rebate should be granted to teachers.

Members of the FGCTA’s central body and executive council warned that if the government failed to fulfil its commitment on tax rebate, teachers could stage peaceful street protests to claim their right. They called for swift action on the matter to prevent further discontent in the teaching community.