Pakistan Faces Major School Boycott as Teachers Protest Government’s Controversial Holiday Exemption in PoGB
A massive school boycott is underway in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) after teachers voiced strong opposition to the Pakistan government’s decision to exempt the education sector from observing local holidays. According to reports from Markhor Times and Hum English, the move has triggered widespread anger and protests from both teachers and healthcare workers, who view it as a violation of their rights and work-life balance.
Key Highlights:
The decision was reportedly made during the 15th Gilgit-Baltistan Cabinet meeting, where the government announced that the education, health, higher education, technical, and special education departments would no longer observe local holidays. The government cited the need for uninterrupted services in these essential sectors.
However, the decision has not been well received.
Teachers Announce Full Boycott of Schools
The Gilgit-Baltistan Teachers Association quickly condemned the move and announced a complete boycott of schools. The association argued that the policy places unnecessary pressure on teachers and ignores their right to rest and observe culturally significant holidays.
In a statement to Markhor Times, association leaders said, “This policy undermines the dignity of the teaching profession and disregards the value of local traditions. Teachers deserve the same rights as all other government employees.”
Teachers across PoGB have stopped reporting to schools, and the protest continues to gain momentum.
Healthcare Workers Join the Protest
In solidarity with the education sector, healthcare workers have also spoken out. The Young Doctors Association (YDA), Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), and the Para Medical Association have publicly condemned the decision, calling it unfair and poorly thought-out.
Speaking to Hum English, Muhammad Mushtaq, spokesperson for the YDA, said:
“The government should focus on resolving real challenges in education and healthcare instead of introducing such arbitrary policies. Healthcare workers are already under extreme pressure, working in tough conditions with little relief.”
Another member of the PMA added, “We are on duty 24/7, 365 days a year. Removing even the few local holidays we have shows a complete lack of empathy for the services we provide.”
Critics Say Decision Masks Deeper Failures
Critics argue that the policy is a diversion from the government’s failure to address infrastructure gaps and resource shortages in PoGB. By enforcing continuous operations without addressing systemic issues, the government is said to be overburdening professionals instead of improving services.
Teachers and doctors alike are demanding that the government reverse the exemption policy and instead engage in meaningful dialogue to address their grievances.
The escalating school boycott in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan signals growing unrest among public service professionals. Both teachers and healthcare workers have united in condemning what they see as a short-sighted decision by the government that disregards their welfare and the broader socio-cultural fabric of the region.
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