LAHORE, March 22: Schoolteachers have been asked to make the ruling party’s convention at the Minar-i-Pakistan a success. Sources told said on Wednesday that some 50,000 teachers of city elementary and high schools had been directed by their heads to ensure their presence at the inauguration of the centenary celebrations of the Muslim League.

They said even female teachers had been ordered verbally by their heads to reach the venue in the morning where their roll would be called.

“They have been warned that in case of their absence, they will face serious consequences,” they said.

A headmistress requesting anonymity said she had been ordered by the higher authorities to ensure the presence of her staff at the Minar-i-Pakistan. She said though she felt for her staff, she was helpless.

An office-bearer of the Punjab Teacher Action Committee criticised the move, saying the government should stop humiliating teachers.

He said it would be very difficult, especially for female teachers, to reach the venue in the absence of public transport. “Since the teaching community is taken for granted, none of them can dare remain absent,” he said.

Punjab secretary (schools) Capt Zahid (retired), however, expressed ignorance about the issuance of such (verbal) orders.

Last month, the government had asked teachers to ensure their presence in the Kashmir Day rally. Besides, they were also ordered to stand along the route of the Lahore Marathon 2006 throughout the day to give an impression to the world that the event drew huge public response and support.

Similarly in the 2005 marathon, teachers had also been made to stand along the route as spectators.

Several teachers expressed resentment over the humiliated treatment meted out to them on such occasions. They said at least the government should not adopt such undemocratic methods to show its strength.