Sindh Teachers Decry Inflation, Unmet Demands in Protest
Dozens of primary teachers from across Sindh continued their sit-in outside the Karachi Press Club on Tuesday, protesting the government's failure to regularize their services and address their long-standing grievances. The demonstrators voiced anguish over soaring inflation, meager salaries, and inadequate housing allowances, accusing authorities of turning a deaf ear to their plight .
The protesting teachers, who have been demonstrating for several days, blocked the main thoroughfare near the Arts Council as they attempted to march toward the Sindh Assembly, prompting police to resort to baton-charge to disperse the crowd
Maqsood Ali, one of the protesting teachers, expressed his frustration at the worsening economic conditions.
He lamented that inflation has spiraled out of control, with the price of LPG gas reaching 530 rupees per kilogram, making it impossible for low-income families to manage household expenses.
He questioned how anyone could survive on a daily earning of 100 to 150 rupees, adding that even the cost of maintaining a rickshaw has become unaffordable.
He added that the government has created such harsh conditions that the poor are being crushed from all sides.
Another teacher accused the government of subjecting employees to economic murder, pointing to the inadequate housing allowance of just 2,856 rupees, which he said is insufficient to rent even a small home in today's market.
He questioned how teachers could be expected to work from morning to 5 PM without any support, bonuses, or benefits, while the government deploys police to silence their legitimate demands.
The protesting teachers, affiliated with the Primary Teachers Association (PTA) Sindh, have been demanding the immediate regularization of their services. Many have served for over two decades in government schools yet remain contract employees
The education department has previously assured teachers that they would be regularized based on test results, but the protesters insist that the process has been deliberately delayed
The demonstration highlights the growing frustration among government employees across Sindh, who have repeatedly raised concerns over salary cuts, pension reforms, and the rising cost of living. Until the government takes concrete steps to address these grievances, the teachers have vowed to continue their protest.