Parents protest against change of school timings in Pindi

Dozens of parents submit joint appeal to deputy commissioner, urging reversal of timings to 8.45am or 9am

Parents in Rawalpindi have lodged a strong protest against the local administration’s decision of starting school an hour earlier than the scheduled timings during the peak of winter.

The decision to change the school timings was part of a move linked to traffic management around the Kachehri Chowk due to the ongoing development projects including the construction of an underpass and an overhead bridge.

Dozens of parents have submitted a joint written appeal to the deputy commissioner, urging a reversal of the new schedule and restoration of the previous 8.45am or 9am timings.

Read More: Rawalpindi revises school timings amid Kachehri Chowk development work

They argued that forcing children to leave home before sunrise in severe cold, fog, and low visibility exposes them to illnesses such as fever, cough, cold, and ear infections. Many also cited the unavailability of school vans and public transport at early hours, affecting attendance and punctuality.

Teachers and parents were of the view that reaching schools in freezing mornings amid dense fog has become difficult, while the performance of the students is suffering due to lack of proper rest.

Parents warned if the early school timings are not reversed, they would withdraw their children from government schools and enrol them in nearby private institutions instead. They urged the administration to adjust government office hours instead of disrupting the school schedule during the cold weather.