Educators decry abolition of Saturday holiday

ISLAMABAD:

Teachers in Islamabad have slammed the Federal Directorate of Education's (FDE) decision to abolish weekly holidays on Saturday in the capital's educational institutions, calling it a failed experiment that serves no meaningful purpose.

The Joint Action Committee, led by Chairman Fazal-e-Mola, has strongly condemned the policy, asserting that such measures have historically failed to deliver results. Citing research and experience, the committee argued that two weekly holidays significantly boost employee efficiency.

"This decision undermines a long-standing policy and puts undue strain on teachers and staff," Fazal-e-Mola remarked.

Teachers also criticised the directorate for curtailing summer vacations to just two weeks, purportedly for training and other activities. One week of summer break was rebranded as remedial classes before being entirely abolished.

"Now, teachers and students are routinely called in on supposed holidays for events and programs, causing unnecessary mental stress," said a committee member.

Parents have expressed similar frustrations, noting that the lack of a unified holiday schedule creates logistical challenges.