Parents Demand Change in School Opening Time

Parents in Rawalpindi have voiced strong opposition to the local administration’s decision to start school an hour earlier during the peak winter season.

The change in schedule is part of a traffic management plan near Kachehri Chowk, where major development projects — including the construction of an underpass and an overhead bridge — are underway.

Dozens of parents have jointly submitted a written appeal to the Deputy Commissioner, demanding that the previous school timings of 8:45 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. be restored. They argued that sending children to school before sunrise in freezing temperatures and dense fog increases the risk of fever, cough, cold, and ear infections.

Many also complained about the lack of school vans and public transport early in the morning, which has disrupted attendance and punctuality.

Teachers and parents noted that the new schedule has made it difficult for students to reach school safely and on time, while the cold mornings and lack of adequate rest have started to affect classroom performance.

Parents warned that if the administration fails to reverse the early start, they will transfer their children to nearby private schools. They urged officials to revise government office hours instead of altering school schedules during harsh winter conditions.