RAWALPINDI, March 15: The students of Government Commerce College boycotted their classes and held a protest rally against the privatization of technical and vocational institutions in the Punjab.

The rally was organized by the activists of People's Students Federation. The PSF district president, Javed Khan, general secretary Ayaz Khan and other student leaders lead the demonstration.

The protesters were holding banners and placards inscribed with slogans against the Technical and Vocational Training Authority (Tevta). They also chanted slogans against the privatization and increase in tuition fee.

They warned of the government to launch a province-wise movement if the plan to privatize these institutions was not changed. They said they would continue the boycott unless the authorities reviewed their intentions regarding the privatization of these institutions.

Speaking on the occasion, the PSF leaders said the privatization of technical and vocational institutions would deprive thousands of poor students to get admission. They said the Tevta had already doubled the fees, which is a conspiracy to close the doors of education for the poor. They said they would never allow the authorities to turn a mission into a business.