QUETTA, May 23: Almost all political parties have threatened to launch a movement against the government if it fails to immediately accept demands of the All Government Teachers Association (AGTA).

The hunger strike unto death by about 130 teachers entered the 14th day on Wednesday and most of them were given drips in their camp set up outside the Quetta Press Club. Seven of them were shifted to hospital for medical treatment after their condition deteriorated seriously.

The Awami National Party, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Balochistan National Party (Mengal), National Party, Jamhoori Watan Party, both factions of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, PML-N, Jamaat-i-Islami and Academic Staff Association of Balochistan University held a public meeting in support of the striking teachers.

Speaking on the occasion, leaders of the parties said it was a responsibility of the government to accept the teachers’ demands. They warned that if government did not issue a notification accepting the demands they would come out on streets against the rulers.

“Teachers should be given respect for educating our children, but lukewarm attitude of the government has forced them to observe the hunger strike unto death which is unfortunate for society,” the leaders said.

A spokesman for the AGTA said that despite facing life threat the teachers would continue their protest to protect their rights.