Govt ends mandatory school uniform rule in schools
The Balochistan government has decided to abolish the mandatory school uniform requirement for primary-level students as part of a broad package of education reforms aimed at increasing school enrollment and improving literacy across the province. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. The meeting reviewed key reforms related to education, healthcare, and law and order.
Under the proposed policy, primary schools will be declared gender-neutral, allowing boys and girls to receive basic education in the same institutions. The recommendations will now be presented to the provincial cabinet for final approval. Officials also agreed on a comprehensive reform agenda for the upcoming fiscal year, with a strong focus on improving education, healthcare services, and public safety.
To help increase literacy rates, the government has decided to introduce double-shift teaching in 900 schools across Balochistan. The move is expected to create more learning opportunities for students and improve access to education in underserved areas.
In another important decision, authorities approved a substantial increase in the fixed salaries of teachers working under the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD), aiming to strengthen the education workforce. The government also plans to introduce standardized reading and writing materials in public schools to improve the quality of learning and ensure better educational outcomes for students.
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One of the most significant reforms announced during the meeting is the elimination of the traditional “taat culture,” under which students sit on floor mats during classes. Chief Minister Bugti said every functional public school would be provided with desks and chairs so that students could study in a more comfortable and dignified environment.
“The world has changed, yet, unfortunately, children in Balochistan are still studying while sitting on mats,” Bugti said. “No child will sit on the floor. Every student will receive an education while seated at a desk.”
The chief minister also warned that strict action would be taken against officials if students were found sitting on mats after the implementation deadline. He added that he would personally conduct surprise visits to schools, including those located in remote and mountainous areas. Officials said the reforms are part of the government’s broader effort to improve educational standards, modernize schools, and encourage more children to enroll in educational institutions across the province.
