Teachers, parents oppose Pak-Turk Schools takeover

Date posted: August 7, 2016

Ammar Sheikh, Lahore

A group calling itself the Pak-Turk International Schools and Colleges Parent-Teacher Association expressed concern on Saturday over reports that the government was going to hand over the school management to “a political entity”.

Speaking at a press conference at the Raiwind Road campus, they said they would oppose such a move.

On behalf of the association, Saima Ilyas said: “It is said that our schools will be handed over to another foundation. We are unable to understand and accept the transfer of the schools from a local foundation to another foundation, especially the fact that the proposed entity is known to have a political affiliation.”

“We believe that such an entity will preach its own political agenda. We apprehend that students will face unnecessary challenges.”

She refused to identify the entity. She said Pak-Turk educational institutes were affiliated with examination boards across Pakistan and had been imparting modern education.

“These institutes have received appreciation at national and international levels. The administration claims that the schools have never received financial assistance from Pakistani or Turkish government and are managed by a foundation employing 1,200 Pakistani and 134 Turkish personnel.”

She said the association stood by Turkish officials at the schools who felt threatened by the recent developments. “Our Turkish brothers have been imparting education to our children. The schools have several branches in less-developed areas of the country. There has been no violation of Pakistani laws for 21 years. It is unacceptable therefore to condone forced withdrawal of Turkish teachers or transfer of schools to another foundation. One of the factors in preferring Pak-Turk schools is, the Turkish teachers working here. An abrupt withdrawal of Turkish teachers is bound to adversely affect the standard of education.”

She said the new academic year was about to commence. The government, she said, should not take a disagreeable decision. She said they would be forced to take to the streets if the school management was transferred.

Source: The Express Tribune , August 7, 2016