Teachers – Public Employees Sustain Protest Over Policy Dispute

Teachers – A broad coalition of government employees extended its demonstration into a third straight day on Thursday, intensifying pressure on provincial authorities already facing criticism over delays in addressing staff welfare concerns.

Demonstrators Hold Ground Outside Administrative Complex

Operating under the banner of the Grand Alliance, a platform representing educators and workers from multiple government departments, protesters assembled early in the morning at the main gate of the provincial administrative headquarters. Carrying placards and voicing opposition to recent policy revisions, the participants maintained a peaceful sit-in. However, the heavy deployment of police and the diversion of vehicles caused significant traffic congestion across nearby roads, according to a report by The Express Tribune.

Despite the tense atmosphere, there were no reports of violence. Officials monitored the gathering closely as negotiations remained stalled.

Women Educators Take Visible Role in Sit-In

One of the most notable aspects of the protest has been the strong participation of women teachers. Educators arriving from Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan and Rawalpindi addressed the crowd in turns, outlining how recent administrative changes have affected both their financial stability and professional outlook.

Speakers said the uncertainty surrounding service benefits has eroded confidence within public schools. Several participants described growing anxiety among staff who feel their long-term prospects are becoming increasingly unclear.

Contract Employees Demand Regularisation

At the centre of the dispute is the future of thousands of employees currently working on contract terms. Representatives of the alliance argue that many of these individuals meet the criteria for permanent positions and should be regularised without further delay.

Protest leaders have specifically called for the reinstatement of Rule 17-A, a provision that previously allowed contract employees to secure permanent status under certain conditions. They contend that removing this pathway has left qualified workers in prolonged uncertainty.

Pension and Leave Policy Revisions Spark Anger

Changes to post-retirement benefits have also drawn strong objections. Demonstrators criticised revisions to leave encashment rules, saying the updated structure reduces expected payouts for retiring staff. According to union representatives, many employees had planned their financial futures based on earlier provisions.

Family pension adjustments have become another major grievance. Participants argued that the modifications could leave surviving family members of civil servants with reduced financial protection. They described the reforms as cost-cutting measures that shift the burden onto employees and their dependents.

Pay Scale Dispute Adds to Tensions

Another key demand raised during the sit-in concerns salary progression for highly qualified staff. Alliance members are seeking improved pay scales for employees holding MPhil and PhD degrees, asserting that professional qualifications should be reflected in compensation structures.

Protest organisers warned that failing to recognise advanced academic credentials may discourage teachers from pursuing further education, ultimately affecting the quality of instruction in public institutions.

Government Outreach Fails to Break Deadlock

By late evening, reports surfaced that government representatives had initiated informal contact with protest leaders. However, organisers dismissed these efforts as insufficient, insisting that verbal assurances would not end the demonstration.

Alliance spokespersons reiterated that only formal, legally binding notifications would satisfy their demands. Until such documentation is issued, they said, the sit-in will continue despite tight security arrangements around the area.

With both sides holding firm, the standoff has entered a critical phase. Observers note that the outcome could shape broader discussions about public sector employment policy and pension reform in the province.