School Teachers Refuse to Teach Due to Unpaid Salaries in KP Second Shift Classes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Face Uncertainty:

According to reports, Government schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may suspend classes on the afternoon shift due to teachers refusing to teach over unpaid salaries. The second shift classes were introduced in September 2021 to promote education and reduce the dropout rate in schools with high enrollment. However, the current situation puts the future of these classes at risk, potentially impacting the educational opportunities of thousands of students.

Challenges Faced by the Education Program in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:

Education minister Shahram Khan Tarakai highlighted that the afternoon classes designed to provide educational opportunities to children who could not attend regular classes for various reasons. However, in January 2023, the program has partially suspended in 167 schools across different districts when the previous government discontinued the afternoon classes and instructed education officers not to demand salaries. This decision has created significant hurdles in ensuring the smooth functioning of the program.

Salaries Delayed for Teachers, Impacting Education Delivery:

Approximately 8,000 teachers in the second shift program have reportedly not received salaries for four months, causing frustration and discontent among the teaching staff. The delay in salary payments has raised concerns about these teachers' financial stability and willingness to continue teaching under the afternoon shift. However, the additional education secretary has assured that funds have allocated, and the employees will receive their salaries soon. An investigation will also conducted to determine the reasons behind the delay.