Second Shift in Rawalpindi Public Schools Cancelled

The Rawalpindi District Education Authority has officially discontinued second shifts in all government schools that have been operating evening classes over the past four years.

This decision impacts approximately 50 schools across the district, as outlined in a formal notification issued by the Chief Executive Officer of the Education Authority.

According to the notification, only six institutions have been exempted from the directive. These include:

• Government Modern Boys High School No. 2, Rawalpindi

• Government Public Academy Secondary School, Tench Bhata

• Government Boys High School, Chungi No. 22

• Afternoon schools

• Educational programs

• Community schools

These selected institutions will continue their second shifts as usual. The policy takes effect immediately.

Beginning Monday, April 7, all non-exempted schools operating evening shifts will be closed. Students currently enrolled in these shifts are being advised to transfer to nearby schools.

Temporary teachers assigned to second shifts have been released from duty, while permanent faculty members will now only be required to serve during the first shift.

The move has been met with criticism from teachers’ unions. Shafiq Bhalowalia, Central Secretary of the Punjab SES Teachers Association, called for the decision to be reversed.

Parents have also voiced concerns, especially regarding their daughters’ education. Muhammad Niaz, a resident, noted that girls previously attended nearby schools in the second shift but may now face difficulties if they are required to travel longer distances to attend classes.