The Balochistan government has decided to abolish the mandatory school uniform requirement for primary-level students as part of a broader package of education reforms aimed at boosting literacy and improving access to education across the province.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Mir Sarfraz Bugti, where officials reviewed proposed reforms in the education, health and law and order sectors.
Under the new policy, primary schools will be made gender-neutral, allowing boys and girls to receive basic education in the same institutions. The recommendations will now be presented to the provincial cabinet for final approval.
The meeting also approved a comprehensive reform agenda for the upcoming fiscal year’s budget, with a focus on strengthening education, healthcare and public safety.
To improve literacy rates, the government plans to introduce double-shift classes in 900 schools across the province. Authorities also approved an increase in fixed salaries for teachers working under the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD).
Officials further agreed to introduce standardized reading and writing materials in government schools to enhance learning outcomes.
In another major step, the government announced the end of the traditional floor-seating system in public schools. Chief Minister Bugti said all schools would be equipped with desks so that students no longer have to sit on mats during classes.
“The world has changed, yet it is unfortunate that children in Balochistan are still studying while sitting on mats,” he said, adding that every student would receive education while seated at a desk.
The chief minister warned that strict action would be taken against officials if students were found sitting on mats after the implementation deadline. He also said he would personally conduct surprise inspections of schools, including those in remote and mountainous areas.
The reforms form part of the provincial government’s wider efforts to improve educational standards and increase school enrolment throughout Balochistan.