A major controversy has emerged in Punjab’s education sector as private school associations have rejected the government’s new weekly schedule.
The decision, introduced by the Punjab School Education Department, mandates three weekly holidays — Friday, Saturday, and Sunday — as part of an energy-saving plan.
However, private schools are now preparing to challenge the decision in court.
What Is the New School Schedule?
Under the new directive:
- Schools will operate Monday to Thursday
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday will be off
- School timings: 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM
The policy applies to both public and private schools across Punjab.
Private Schools Strongly Oppose the Decision
Leading voices from private school associations have raised serious concerns.
Irfan Muzaffar Kiyani, President of the All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association, said:
- Schools were already closed for 21 days in March
- Adding more holidays will disrupt academic activities
- The decision is unfair for students
“Too Many Holidays Will Damage Education”
According to association leaders:
- From now till May 31, there will be around 30 total holidays
- This includes weekends and Eid holidays
- Only about 30 effective teaching days will remain
They argue that this will severely impact students’ learning progress.
Concerns Over Academic Calendar
Another key concern is timing.
Malik Naseem Ahmed stated that:
- April is already a transition month
- Parents spend time on books, uniforms, and admissions
- Frequent closures are disrupting the system repeatedly
He warned that continued interruptions could harm the overall education structure.
Legal Action Being Planned
Private school associations have now announced that they will:
- Challenge the policy in court
- Demand reconsideration of the schedule
- Push for a more balanced academic plan
This could lead to a legal battle between private institutions and the government.
Why the Government Introduced This Policy
The government introduced the new schedule to:
- Reduce energy consumption
- Manage fuel costs
- Implement broader austerity measures
However, the move has triggered strong resistance from the private education sector.
