G-B teachers boycott classes in protest over delayed promotions

GILGIT: Teachers across Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday staged region-wide protests, boycotting classes and holding demonstrations in all 10 districts against what they described as the education department’s discriminatory policies.

The protest, organised by the Teachers’ Coordination Committee, focused on a single demand: that teachers who have passed their bachelor of education (BEd) and certificate in teaching (CTC) be promoted to Grade-16 and Grade-14, respectively, with effect from the date of passing their qualifications.

Demonstrations were held in major towns across the region, with teachers chanting slogans denouncing the alleged apathy and ongoing neglect by the education department.

The protesting teachers vowed to continue their strike until their demands are met and warned of further escalations if the government fails to provide a clear roadmap and timeline for resolving the issue.

Teachers argued that despite years of service, they have been denied basic entitlements such as promotions and job security.

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They criticised what they termed selective favoritism in promotion and upgradation schemes, calling the practice unjust and demoralizing.

The teachers alleged that promotions are being awarded to a select few through favoritism, while the majority are being treated unfairly.

Gilgit-Baltistan Teachers’ Association General Secretary Muhammad Ayub expressed his full support for the strike, terming the teachers’ demands “genuine.”

He noted that although around 200 teachers had been promoted retroactively from the date of their BEd or CTC qualification, the majority—especially senior teachers—were overlooked.

“These selective promotions disrupted the seniority structure and compelled many affected teachers to seek legal recourse,” Ayub said, adding that court rulings in favor of these teachers have yet to be implemented.

“This unresolved issue led to today’s encirclement of deputy director offices across Gilgit-Baltistan,” he added.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader in the GB Assembly Kazim Mesum condemned the government’s inaction.

“It is deeply regrettable that our teachers have been forced to take to the streets. This reflects the government’s insensitivity,” he stated.

Mesum emphasised the crucial role the teachers play in shaping society, calling them “nation-builders” who deserve not only the fulfillment of their rights but also special recognition. “Unfortunately, those in power —often disconnected from education—fail to understand their significance,” he said.

He also criticised the government for allowing the situation to deteriorate to the point of school closures and sit-ins.

“This is shameful. When a society neglects its intellectuals, it’s the educators who suffer. Promotions, allowances, and regularization are solvable issues—if there is political will,” he asserted.

He urged the government to immediately engage with the teachers and resume the educational process, warning, “If thousands of teachers take to the streets, the government will find nowhere to hide. Their genuine concerns must be addressed without delay.”

Syed Akhtar Rizvi, while acknowledging the legitimacy of the teachers’ demands, said the protest may have been premature.

He noted that the Education Reforms Committee, chaired by the Chief Minister, had already formed a high-level panel to address these issues.

“The committee was constituted just a week ago, and teachers were informed about its formation.

They should have waited for the committee to present its recommendations to the Chief Minister,” Rizvi said. He expressed optimism that the panel would resolve the matter in due time.