The Battle For Better Education

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: On October 5, the world united to pay tribute to the tireless efforts of educators. However, the spirit of this day in Pakistan was overshadowed by the tumultuous events that transpired less than 10 days later, on October 13.
With an unfortunate lack of discrimination, the police resorted to baton charges against protestors, regardless of their gender. The unsettling videos that emerged from these protests shed light on the moral and social decay within our system, where humanity seems to hold no value.
The situation in Pakistan has been deteriorating at an alarming rate, aggravated by recent changes in the academic landscape that have left thousands affected and driven them to the streets in protest against the government’s policies.
The country has witnessed numerous protests, and Pakistan’s police force has, regrettably, set a grim standard for brutality and extrajudicial killings. For decades, questions have loomed regarding the police stations where no one has died in custody, yet this list has never surfaced. Unfortunately, the very institution that is supposed to serve and protect citizens often acts to the contrary.
The international community has witnessed these acts of brutality all too often, leaving no one spared from the actions of these ‘men in uniform, who appear to act above and beyond the law.
The ‘positive picture’ painted by state officials crumbled when teachers, entrusted with ‘building the nation,’ faced such force. It is perplexing how Pakistan, unlike any other, appears to dwell in a twilight zone, with each day offering a new reckoning. Over 200 teachers found themselves in custody, and it was only thanks to the courts that they were released. The police had sought their custody for ten days to suppress their voices, seeking justice against the wrongs committed.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/walking-terror-on-the-horizon/
These protests unfolded right outside the Civil Secretariat, where policymakers gather. The All Government Employees Grand Alliance (AGEGA) of Punjab, many of them teachers, staged a sit-in, protesting against the proposed privatisation of public schools.
Furthermore, the government’s proposed amendments to pension regulations and the end of leave encashment have left thousands of teachers anxious about their future. It’s worth noting that the protestors outside the secretariat represented 34 different departments, including health and education, which are the backbone of the country, alongside clerks.
The number of arrests made exceeded those who were presented before the court, a stark reminder that the law of the land is often more about reading than implementation.
In its entirety, it was disheartening to witness teachers facing the brunt of brute force, especially when their influence extends far beyond the pages of textbooks.
While the rest of the world celebrated Teacher’s Day on October 5, in Pakistan, the teachers were served a bitter reality, underscoring the challenges they continue to confront less than 10 days after their day of recognition. The resilience of these educators in the face of adversity serves as a powerful testament to their dedication and commitment to shaping the future of the nation.”

The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and writes on a wide range of issues. 

The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.