GB educators choose protest over Eid festivities

In a moving show of unity and sacrifice, teachers from all 14 districts of Gilgit-Baltistan chose to mark Eidul Azha 2025 not with their families, but at a protest camp in Gilgit city and Skardu, demanding their long-overdue rights.

Despite the festival, the educators stood firm in their peaceful sit-in outside the Directorate of Education. Teachers, united across sects and regions, offered Eid prayers together in a powerful display of harmony and solidarity. The prayer was led by respected scholar Mufti Muhammad Saleem, who used his sermon to highlight the meaning of true sacrifice — standing for justice.

“True sacrifice is standing together for the rights of those who shape the nation’s future,” said Mufti Saleem.

While the rest of the country celebrated Eid with loved ones, Gilgit-Baltistan’s educators remained at the protest site. Their demands are simple and focused on a one-point agenda: justice, fair treatment, and implementation of equal policies across institutions.

A Question for Society

• Why this stepmotherly treatment towards those who educate our children?

• Why are there double standards in one institution?

• Shouldn’t those who spread knowledge receive justice themselves?

The teachers echoed a powerful slogan:

“One institution, two standards — unacceptable. One institution, two laws — unacceptable.”

This is not just a protest — it’s a wake-up call for the Gilgit-Baltistan government and relevant institutions. Immediate and serious action is needed to resolve the teachers’ rightful demands so that the educational process continues smoothly and these educators can return to their homes with dignity.