June 10, 2008	Tuesday	Jamadi-us-Sani 05, 1429

ISLAMABAD, June 9: The Pakistan Teachers United Front (PTUF) on Monday called off its hunger strike after an assurance from Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani that their grievances would be resolved.

Talking to a delegation of the PTUF led by Haji Abdul Ghaffar Kudaizy at his chamber in Parliament House, Mr Gilani said he would personally take up their case with all the four chief ministers. He assured them that their just demands would be given sympathetic consideration.

The prime minister said he would also ask the chief ministers to introduce uniform pay scales for the teachers across the country.

He said the PPP-led government was committed to the welfare and well-being of teachers who are an asset for the country.

The schoolteachers had set up a hunger strike camp at Aabpara Chowk for the last six days seeking acceptance of their 12-point demand including 100 per cent pay raise, equal pay scale and perks, Rs1,000 mobility allowance, bonus equal to one basic pay on all Eids and transfer of the education department back to the provincial governments from districts.

The teachers delegation thanked the prime minister and expressed their confidence on his assurance.

Meanwhile, several members of the National Assembly on Monday demanded that the government should accept the demands of the teachers who were staging a demonstration in front of the parliament.

Speaking on a point of order, Jamshed Dasti said teachers from all parts of the country had gone on a hunger strike for fulfilment of their demands.

Raja Asad Khan said, “We are proud of our teachers,” adding appropriate steps should be taken for their welfare.

Maulana Asmatullah asked parliamentarians to listen to the grievances of the teachers.

Nisar Tanvir pointed out that a large number of teachers were standing in front of the parliament and suggested to accept their genuine demands.—APP