Thousands of GB students affected as teachers protest continues

GILGIT: Government schools across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) remained closed for a seventh consecutive day, as teachers continued their protest over delayed promotions and the non-implementation of pay scale revisions.

On the other hand, the regional government has initiated the verification of academic degrees of all the teachers, directing the School Education Department to complete the process on an individual basis and submit a report.

Led by the Teachers’ Coordination Committee, the protest earlier saw rallies and sit-ins in key districts including Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer.

In Gilgit city, a major sit-in was underway outside the Directorate of Education, paralysing official work and drawing widespread attention.

The teachers are demanding enforcement of promotion orders issued by the Supreme Appellate Court of Gilgit-Baltistan.

While over 300 educators have reportedly been upgraded, protest leaders say hundreds others qualified teachers continue to be denied their due promotions.

“B.Ed holders are entitled to Grade 16, while CT-qualified teachers should be placed in Grade 14,” said a senior member of the coordination committee.

“We have fulfilled all requirements, yet the authorities remain unmoved.” The government’s decision to verify teachers’ degrees has raised eyebrows among protestors, who fear it could be used as a stalling tactic.