Big Update on School Timings in Pakistan 2025
Big Update on School Timings in Pakistan 2025: In Rawalpindi, parents have raised serious concerns over the new school timing implemented by the local administration the decision to start schools an hour earlier has triggered frustration among families, especially during the peak winter season. Many parents believe that the earlier schedule poses health and safety risks to young students.
According to parents, the change is part of a broader traffic management plan near Kachehri Chowk, where development projects, including an underpass and an overhead bridge, are currently under construction. However, they argue that this adjustment should not come at the expense of children’s comfort and well-being. Families insist that sending children to school before sunrise exposes them to freezing temperatures and dense fog, creating health complications and commuting difficulties.
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| City | Rawalpindi |
|---|---|
| Issue | Parents opposing new early school timing during winter |
| Old Timing | 8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
| New Timing | 7:30 a.m. |
| Main Concerns | Cold weather, fog, transport shortage, student health risks |
| Action Taken | Parents submitted appeal to Deputy Commissioner |
| Expected Step | Administration to review and reconsider new schedule |
Parents Submit Appeal to Deputy Commissioner for Schedule Restoration
Dozens of parents have officially submitted a written appeal to the Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi, requesting the restoration of the previous school timings of 8:45 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. They expressed frustration over the early start, emphasizing that the shift to 7:30 a.m. is unsuitable during winter when mornings are extremely cold and foggy.
Many parents pointed out that the new schedule forces students to wake up much earlier, often before dawn, leading to insufficient sleep and fatigue throughout the day. They also mentioned that in such cold weather, children are more vulnerable to fever, cough, cold, and ear infections, which are common during early morning commutes in fog-covered conditions.
Transport Issues and Safety Concerns Affect Attendance and Learning
Parents have also highlighted how the new school timing has worsened transport issues for both public and private school students. Many families reported that school vans and public transport are not available early in the morning, resulting in delays and irregular attendance. The lack of transportation options has increased pressure on parents who have to drop their children off personally before heading to work.
Teachers and education staff have also voiced concern, stating that students are struggling to concentrate in class due to lack of proper rest and exposure to cold morning air. The reduced sunlight during early hours makes travel unsafe, especially for younger students who depend on shared transport or walk to school.
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Key Points Raised by Parents and Teachers
- Parents argue that the early school timing is impractical during the winter season and should be reconsidered.
- Teachers report that student performance and attendance have dropped due to fatigue and transport delays.
Administration Faces Pressure to Reconsider School Timing Policy
As the debate continues, the local administration in Rawalpindi is under growing pressure to review its recent decision on school timings the parents’ appeal has gained strong community support, with many calling for authorities to prioritize children’s health and safety over temporary traffic management plans.
Education observers have suggested that the government should consider flexible winter schedules, similar to those implemented in other districts, where schools open later to protect students from extreme cold Many believe that adjusting school hours during winter can improve attendance, focus, and overall well-being of students without significantly affecting the traffic situation.
Public Demands and Possible Next Steps
- Parents are urging the administration to restore 8:45 a.m. or 9:00 a.m.
- as the standard start time for schools during the winter months.
- Local authorities are expected to hold a review meeting soon to assess.
- The impact of the new timing and decide whether to revise the policy.
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