ZHOB: The Government Teachers Association (GTA-Constitutional) has strongly condemned the Deputy Commissioner’s decision to bar its president from a District Education Group (DEG) meeting, calling it an attempt to silence teachers’ voices and undermine their constitutional rights. In a press release, the association said its president has long been an active and regular participant in DEG meetings and was officially invited to attend a session held in November. However, the organization alleged that the newly posted Deputy Commissioner took exception to the president’s advocacy for teachers’ lawful demands, describing it as ‘unacceptable.’ According to the statement, ahead of the DEG meeting scheduled for December 26, the district’s top administrative officer reportedly exercised his authority to prevent the GTA president from attending the meeting, an action taken in front of other officials. The move has triggered strong reactions, with teachers’ bodies, civil society representatives, and public circles expressing anger and concern over what they see as an unnecessary and humiliating act. The GTA emphasized that it is the largest representative organization of teachers in the district and province, working within the bounds of law to protect teachers’ interests. News Desk
It termed the incident an example of ‘high-handedness’ and said the alleged intimidation of an elected teachers’ representative sets an unconstitutional precedent for the education sector.
Despite the setback, the association said its leadership remains resolute.
“We will neither bow to administrative pressure nor step back from our struggle for constitutional rights,” the statement said, adding that the issue would be pursued at all appropriate forums.
The GTA has appealed to the Education Minister, Secretary Education, Director Schools, and Commissioner Zhob Division to take immediate notice of the incident. It has also demanded a formal inquiry to ensure such interference in educational affairs does not recur in the future.
