Pakistan cops fire tear gas at teachers marching on PM Imran Khan's house; arrests made

Pakistan police on Saturday resorted to a baton-charge and fired tear gas on hundreds of teachers when y were marching on residence of Prime Minister Imran Khan in Banigala, Islamab. According to Dawn, y were protesting against new regularisation policy of ir department. Police officers informed that a small unit succeeded in pushing back protesters and getting ro leing to Pak premier's residence cleared.

Teachers protest against 'unjust' policy

area was later 'sealed' and given under protection of a well-equipped police contingent that included personnel of Counter-Terrorism Department and Anti-Riot Unit, while dozens of protesting teachers were detained in different police stations. Four teachers h been arrested by police for 'interfering' in discharge of duties by government officials and for violating coronavirus safety protocols, reported News International.

Up to 700 teachers from Punjab reached Islamab and decided to march on Khan's house to hold a protest against new regularisation policy of ir department, which regularises jobs of only those teachers who pass examination of Public Service Commission and clear interviews. protesters viewed this policy as 'unjust' as y have been working in ir department on contract for several years.

Meanwhile, teachers ended ir protest on Sunday after city ministration led by Commissioner retired Captain Mohamm Mehmood held a meeting with m. On Saturday,  protesters did t end sit-in and refused to negotiate with Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat.

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According to Dawn, protesters were n invited to Rawalpindi Commissioner's office for talks. A spokesperson for Commissioner said Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi retired Capt Anwarul Haq and Mr Shafqaat were also present. He said all demands of protesting teachers were discussed and various solutions were deliberated, he said, ding dialogue was a success because y assured officials that y will end protest.

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Secondary School Teachers Association Core Committee Chairman Qasim Bukhari said Rawalpindi and Islamab ministrations have assured m that y will play ir role in solving issue. He said if demands of teachers are t met, y would begin sit-in again.

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Opposition parties have strongly condemned police action against protesting teachers and ir arrest. Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) secretary-general Syed Nayyar Bukhari called for immediate release of detained teachers. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) information secretary Maryam Aurangzeb cornered PM Imran Khan, stating that he should be "ashamed" of incident.

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(With ncy inputs)