SHANGLA — A new policy by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to recruit teachers through Parent-Teacher Councils (PTCs) is expected to help address the longstanding shortage of teachers in remote and mountainous districts such as Shangla, education stakeholders say.
The proposed mechanism allows schools in far-flung areas to hire teachers locally through PTCs, a step that observers believe could improve classroom continuity and strengthen the overall teaching and learning environment in underserved communities.
Demand for fair salaries and regular payments
Alongside support for the policy, education experts, parents, and civil society members have urged the provincial government to ensure regular monthly salaries for teachers appointed under the PTC system. They have called for fixing the minimum monthly salary at Rs40,000, aligning it with the government’s minimum wage standards.
According to education observers, PTC-funded teachers have been playing a key role in maintaining academic activities in many government schools where permanent teaching staff is insufficient. However, irregular salary payments and low compensation continue to affect their motivation and job stability.
Experts say that ensuring a minimum salary of Rs40,000 and timely monthly payments would provide financial security to these teachers and enable them to focus more effectively on their teaching responsibilities.
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Teacher shortage affecting education in remote areas
Education specialists note that the shortage of teachers has become a major challenge in many districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in remote regions such as Shangla. Limited staff in government schools often disrupts academic activities and affects the quality of education available to students.
In some cases, teachers posted from distant areas struggle to maintain regular attendance due to difficult terrain and long travel distances, which can weaken classroom engagement and learning outcomes.
Local recruitment seen as practical solution
Experts believe that hiring teachers locally through Parent-Teacher Councils could help address several of these challenges. Locally recruited teachers are more likely to attend school regularly, maintain close coordination with parents, and better understand the educational needs of their communities.
They added that PTCs already play a role in school management and administrative oversight, and expanding their responsibilities in teacher recruitment could further strengthen the functioning of public schools.
Education observers say that ensuring adequate salaries and financial stability for PTC teachers could help fill staffing gaps and improve the quality of education in many government schools.
Parents and members of civil society have urged the provincial government to address the concerns of PTC teachers on a priority basis and ensure fair compensation in accordance with the official minimum wage.
They expressed hope that effective implementation of these measures would improve school performance, provide better learning opportunities for students, and strengthen the education system in remote districts like Shangla.
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