Balochistan Point Voice of Nation
By: Asad Khan Kakar
“Teaching is very noble profession that shapes character, caliber and future of an individual. If the people remember me as a good teacher, that will be the biggest honor for me,” A.P.J Abdul Kalam
Ashfaq ahmed narrates that once he was called by the court of Italy in case of fine by traffic warden. When the judge came to know that he is teacher, the whole staff of the court along with judge stood in the respect of Ashfaq Ahmed and said with apologize “ oh! Teacher is in the court”.
This is one nation how they treat their teachers but the phenomenon for the respect of teachers is totally opposite in Pakistan, especially in Balochistan the most deprived province in education.
It is an honor for Quetta, Balochistan that its schools are run by the personalities like Prof. Dr. shagufta. She is a great lady, full of potentials and well aware of skills of schooling. Dr. Shaqufta has got her bachelor’s degree from University of Balochistan. She has got her P.hd degree in biochemistry from University of Glosgow and her post doctorate in education from University of Oregon. She is serving the higher school institutions for last three decades in Balochistan. She used to run Government girls degree college cantt Quetta as a principal. Currently, she is the principal of government girls degree college Jinnah town, Quetta. I have no words to explain her profile and uncountable services. Her courage, enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge is her beauty. She has been working for the progress of education day and night.
Few weeks ago, I called Prof. Dr. Shagufta to ask about something, but her voice was not as enthusiastic as usual. Before I dropped the call, she asked me that “Asad do you know? What the police has done with me and my family?” It was indeed a mind shocking news for me when she told me that she was mistreated by Quetta police with an illegal order of administration and forcefully took her out of her house. More interesting is that her house was entrapped by police in her absence on Sunday. No any department has right to do such harsh act against any common citizen of Pakistan under the constitutional laws.
Besides these, this is how Baluchistan and its bureaucracy treats P.hd holders. Prof. Dr. Shagufta Iqbal is the only lady in Baluchistan who is serving in Grade BPS 21 throughout the whole province. Moreover, this is our treatment towards our teachers, who use their potentials to build our children for future. This is an observing fact that dr. Shagufta like personalities will never be paid their services in returns by the public of Quetta, Baluchistan. It is very true that we are senseless and lack respect for such people. It saddened me badly that still she is homeless in the city where she has number of students in her surroundings. It’s very disappointing that in spite of giving respect to teaching profession, we have always harassed this holy profession and its holy people.
I have gone through the social media and videos of her campaign for justice. It made my eyes full of tears. Where she is hopelessly demanding justice from Balochistan government, sitting in front of press club Quetta. It’s indeed place of incompetency, Hopelessness, shame and guilt on the peak. No Doubt she stands a great serving lady who had been playing the role of parents, guider and teacher for the entire nation.
With folded hands, I request Balochistan government to provide shelter and security to the victimized family along with every facility. High court of Balochistan should look into the matter deeply and bring the questionable officers before the court of justice and punish them harshly.
Public of Quetta should have raised your voice for Dr. Shagufta and her victimized family. This is question to our society and norms. This senseless act of police and bureaucracy will result in hatred and hypocrisy. Doctor Shagufta! Once again we are sorry madam. You are not alone we stand with you. We strongly condemn this shameful act of violence.
Published in The Balochistan Point on May 4, 2018
Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are those of the author and The Balochistan Point not necessarily agrees with them.
