Islamabad:March 07: Terming it a slap on the face of the entire teachers community, dozens of teachers and students gathered in front of the National Press Club (NPC) here on Tuesday to stage a protest demonstration against PPP candidate Waheeda Shah who slapped a female teacher.

The protest was organised by the Federal Government Teachers Association (FGTA) in which they demanded the concerned authorities to take strict action against Waheeda Shah who has earned a bad name for Pakistan in the comity of nations.

According to information, Muttahida Mahaz-e-Asataza Pakistan held a meeting on February 28 in which representatives of teachers from across the country participated. It was decided in the meeting that teachers in every part of the country would hold protest demonstrations on March 6 in front of their respective press clubs.

The protesters were of the view that no nation could progress until it respects teachers. “It is a dilemma that we have not learnt to respect teachers who are actually nation-builders,” said FGCTA President Azhar Awan.

Awan said that it was appreciable that Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has taken suo moto action of the unfortunate incident. “We hope that Waheeda Shah would be given due punishment,” he said.

He said that the teachers community would continue its protest until the culprit is given the due punishment. “The time has gone when teachers would sit quietly over such injustices. Now we have learnt to speak for our rights and also for the injustices being done to us,” he said.

Students also joined the protest of teachers and urged the speedy justice to the victim. “The incident is unbearable. We know why it is important to respect teachers,” said Ayesha Aftab, a student.

Students were of the view that they would continue to support their teachers in protest demonstrations as it was not only their issue, but also the issue of the whole nation. “I think civil society and people from all walks of life should join us in our struggle for justice,” said a student.

Students and teachers held placards and chanted slogans against what they termed the irrational and unjust behaviour of Waheeda Shah.The news.