RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Parents and students of Pak-Turk schools had shown their concerns on the news items recently published in print and telecast in electronic media regarding closure of Pak-Turk schools. These news items have been a source of extreme distress and agonizing concern to us as parents of the students studying in Pak-Turk schools.

They expressed these views while addressing a press conference on Saturday at Raiwind Campus. They said that they need the support of people from all walks of life in order to save the future of 11000 students and 2000 teachers.

“In the time when new academic year is about to commence, we request the government authorities, not to leave us (parents and students) in challenging circumstances by taking any disagreeable or illegal decision about schools,” They said.

They also said that these educational Institutes are affiliated with boards and Ministry of education, Pakistan. “We believe that these educational Institutes are imparting modern scientific and ethical Education to students in Pakistan. It is in our knowledge that these Educational Institutes have persistently received appreciation and excellence at national and international level,” they said.

They also said that this year the students of Pak- Turk School topped worldwide in the subjects of Accounts in A levels and topped in the subject of economics in Pakistan.

Students of Pak- Turk Schools also stood 1st in FSC Pre Medical as well as the 1st position in FSC 1 Pre- Engineering group was also from Pak-Turk School Lahore campus.

Students of these schools have won almost 274 medals in National and International Olympiads because of the selfless and untiring efforts of the teachers and staff. As per information from the schools’ administration, the schools have not taken any financial assistance from Pakistani or Turkish government. The schools have accomplished this prestige today solely by utilizing local resources. Many of the parents have been ardent supporters of the efforts for raising donations for development of these educational institutes.

The schools are exclusively managed by a local Foundation, with 1200 Pakistani and 134 Turkish personnel. As indicated by information from media, it is said that our schools will be handed over to another foundation. We, parents’ teacher association, are unable to understand and accept the transfer of the schools from a local foundation to another foundation, especially when the proposed entity is one with known political affiliation. We believe that such an entity that is openly aligned with a certain school of thought and will preach its own political agenda. We are also perturbed by the clear probability that in case the schools are handed over to such a controversial entity, the students will face uncalled for ideology and their emotional and intellectual health will be taxed.

We are also extremely disturbed by attempts by certain segments to impute political and even terrorist linkages with the schools that are capable of stigmatizing our children as students of the schools and ourselves as parents. Ever since our association with the schools the schools, we have not witnessed any negative or objectionable activity or incident.

They also said that it is unacceptable for us to condone any attempt of a forceful or coerced withdrawal of Turkish teachers or transfer of schools to another foundation. We have chosen the schools for the high quality of education they impart and the blend of modern and moral education in true spirit of Islam. We want a smooth continuity in the standard of education and moral instruction, as well as the flawless administrative arrangements of the schools.

They also said that any forced and abrupt withdrawal of Turkish teachers and staff will adversely affect the standard of education in these schools by having negative impact on students’ educational development.