Contractual teachers across Sindh, including Karachi, have taken to the streets in a determined protest for the regularization of their services. The demonstration, which took place outside the Karachi Press Club, saw educators from the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) and Basic Education Community Schools (BECS) demanding permanent status.
The teachers, initially hired by the federal government and later transferred to the Sindh government’s jurisdiction in 2021, have faced a prolonged wait for regularization. Despite assurances, their status remains unchanged. The protest escalated as police intervened with water cannons and baton charges to prevent the crowd from reaching the Chief Minister’s House, resulting in the detention of several teachers.
The teachers’ demands include regularization, salary increments, alignment with the 14th pay scale, an increase in the retirement age to 60, and a 100% salary increase in the upcoming budget. They have vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met.
Following the protest, discussions between the teachers’ representatives and the Secretary of School Education Sindh, Zahid Ali Abbasi, led to assurances that their applications for regularization would be processed by legal procedures. This dialogue has brought the protest to a close, with hopes for a resolution that aligns with the teachers’ longstanding service and dedication.
