Doctors and Paramedics Protest After PTI Workers Lock DHO Office in Orakzai; Teachers Warn of School Closures Over Unpaid Salaries

Doctors and paramedics in Orakzai district staged a strong protest after workers of PTI MPA Aurangzeb Khan allegedly locked the office of the District Health Officer (DHO). The protesters marched from the DHO office to the main road, chanting slogans against what they termed “political hooliganism” and demanded protection for health department staff and doctors.

Dr. Ibrahim Bangash condemned the incident, calling it “highly regrettable” that political workers stormed a government office and sealed it. Paramedics Association President Zahid demanded strict legal action against those involved.

DHO Dr. Inayat-ur-Rehman stated that all appointments in the health department have been made on merit and through a transparent process. He accused a faction of PTI of pressuring the department to hire their preferred candidates, adding, “They are raising an outcry because we refused to compromise merit, which is unacceptable.” He emphasized that anyone who takes the law into their own hands must face action.

Meanwhile, teachers of community schools in tribal districts, running under the “Education for All” project, have warned of shutting down schools if their salaries are not released. Speaking at a press conference, teachers Noor Aslam, Ashna Din, and others revealed that 237 teachers have been serving in 191 community schools under the ADP program since 2016, educating more than 18,000 students

The teachers said they have not been paid for the last 23 months and instead receive show-cause notices when they demand salaries. They added that schools are operating without any facilities. If the situation continues, they warned that all community schools would be closed, jeopardizing the future of thousands of students.

The teachers urged Orakzai MNA Yousaf Khan, MPA Aurangzeb Khan, the deputy commissioner, and provincial authorities to take immediate notice and resolve the issue.