Latest news with #MuhammadShafiqBhalowalia
Express Tribune
27-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Student entry tied to thalassemia testing
Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder that prevents the production of haemoglobin, leaving the patient anaemic. PHOTO: AFP/FILE Thalassemia and other genetic disorder tests have been made mandatory for students seeking admission to schools, colleges, and religious seminaries in Punjab. The requirement is part of the newly passed Punjab Thalassemia Prevention Act 2025, aimed at curbing the spread of hereditary diseases. According to the law, all students applying for admission must undergo testing for thalassemia and other genetic disorders, and submit the test reports with their admission forms to the relevant educational boards. The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) is mandated to maintain a secure database of all test results. Laboratories are required to submit these results to the PITB within ten days. A warning has also been issued that any private laboratory found submitting fake results will face legal action under the Pakistan Penal Code. Teachers' associations have welcomed the initiative. Leaders Muhammad Shafiq Bhalowalia and Basharat Iqbal Raja have suggested expanding the health screenings to include annual checks for vision, vaccination, and physical and mental development for all students enrolled in schools.
Express Tribune
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Enrolment of teachers' kids mandatory
There are no specific criteria for admission - parents just have to fill up a simple form. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS In response to a decline in new admissions at government schools, the Education Department has made it mandatory for all public school teachers and non-teaching staff to enrol their children in government institutions. Teachers' unions have rejected this directive outright. According to the new orders, all employees under the Education Department are required to withdraw their children from private schools and enrol them in public ones. Additionally, staff are instructed to submit an affidavit confirming compliance with the directive. Muhammad Shafiq Bhalowalia, the central secretary of the Punjab SES Teachers Association, criticised the move, stating that transferring children already enrolled in higher classes could harm their education. He suggested that systemic improvements should be made to encourage public sector employees to choose government schools voluntarily. Rana Liaqat, Secretary General of the Punjab Teachers Union, expressed concern about the state of government education. He noted that private schools generally hold exams earlier, release results promptly, and operate with greater administrative autonomy, unlike public schools where exam schedules and decision-making are delayed. He further highlighted that many NGOs are now offering free admissions, monthly stipends of Rs1,000 per child, free transportation and essential supplies such as books, notebooks and uniforms. This has led many low-income families to enrol their children in NGO-run schools instead of government institutions. Liaqat demanded that public employees be given until the next academic year to transfer their children to government schools. Rawalpindi district currently has approximately 1,550 government schools, compared to 3,100 registered and 2,500 unregistered private schools. District Education Authority Chief Executive Officer Amanullah stated that they are committed to meeting their admission targets. He said a door-to-door enrolment campaign is underway and emphasised that the process has been simplified. Requirements such as school leaving certificates and entrance tests for new students have been removed.
