The Teaching Staff Association (TSA) of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, staged a peaceful protest outside the Press Club today against the 25% tax deduction on salaries of teachers and researchers. The protesters demanded the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) immediately withdraw its notification imposing the tax. Carrying placards with slogans like “Restore Tax Exemption,” TSA officials and members expressed their concerns over the financial burden caused by the decision.
Speaking at the protest, Dr. Tanveer Qasim, General Secretary of TSA, emphasized that the demonstration was symbolic and peaceful. However, he warned that if the notification is not revoked, the association might consider boycotting classes in the next phase of their protest.
He questioned the rationale behind targeting teachers’ salaries for such a significant tax deduction, asking, “Is the entire tax collection burden to be borne by teachers only?” The protest witnessed active participation from TSA officials, including Ahmad Naveed, Dr. Muhammad Usman, Dr. Awais, and other faculty members.