Lahore: Thousands of teachers working in afternoon schools across Punjab have reportedly not been paid their salaries for the past six months, creating severe financial difficulties for educators who depend on these earnings for their livelihood.
According to sources, the delay has affected teachers employed under the Double Shift School Program, an initiative introduced to accommodate the growing number of students in public schools. The program, aimed at maximizing existing infrastructure by conducting classes in the afternoon, was designed to reduce overcrowding and expand access to education.
Teachers claim that despite repeated assurances from the concerned authorities, no payments have been released. Many have voiced frustration over what they describe as neglect of their services, particularly as they continue to fulfill their duties in classrooms without financial compensation.
Education sector representatives warn that the prolonged non-payment could discourage qualified teachers from participating in such initiatives in the future, ultimately affecting the quality of education for thousands of students. They have urged the Punjab government to resolve the issue urgently and release pending salaries.
Officials, meanwhile, maintain that administrative and budgetary delays are responsible for the backlog but assure that steps are being taken to streamline payments.
Teachers across Punjab are calling for immediate intervention, stressing that timely salaries are essential not only for their survival but also for sustaining the education of children enrolled in afternoon schools.
