Private Schools in Punjab Reject Friday Closures, Warn of Teaching Day Losses, citing severe disruption to the academic calendar and effective teaching days. The provincial government’s new weekly schedule mandates schools to remain closed on Fridays, while academic activities continue Monday to Thursday. Private school associations argue that this decision worsens the ongoing education system disruption.
Irfan Muzaffar Kiyani, President of the All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association, highlighted that schools had already faced 21 days of closure in March. Adding Fridays as a holiday would leave only around 30 teaching days until the end of May. Malik Naseem Ahmed, President of the All Pakistan Private Schools Association (Registered), emphasized that repeated closures impact student learning and threaten classroom continuity.
The Punjab Education Department introduced the Friday closure under an energy-saving program. Public and private school holidays are now synchronized across the province. Schools will operate from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm on Monday to Thursday. However, private institutions claim this weekly schedule change neglects the needs of students, parents, and teachers. Many families spend the first ten days of April purchasing textbooks, uniforms, and stationery, which are affected by frequent closures.
Concerns also include academic activity suspension during Eid al-Adha holidays and other planned breaks. School associations’ opposition is preparing a court challenge against the government directive to protect student learning and prevent further academic calendar disruption. Education experts warn that the combined effect of weekly schedule changes and repeated closures could paralyze teaching processes.
In conclusion, private schools in Punjab reject Friday closures, warn of teaching day losses, urging policymakers to reconsider the schedule. Balancing energy-saving goals with uninterrupted education is crucial for the province’s students and teachers.
