LAHORE: The Punjab government has directed all teachers working in public sector schools across the province to wear black gowns during school hours while performing academic duties, introducing a standardised dress code aimed at promoting uniformity and professional identity.
A notification issued by the Punjab School Education Department on February 19, available with Dawn, stated that the new dress code will come into effect from February 23 (Monday).
The department directed all chief executive officers (CEOs) of district education authorities (DEAs) to ensure the implementation of the directives across Punjab.
The notification said that teaching was a profession that commanded respect, authority and moral leadership in society, and the dignity and credibility of teachers was reflected through their “conduct and appearance”.
It stated that a “well-defined dress code” would enhance respect for teachers among students, parents and the community, while also promoting discipline, equality and a focused learning environment within educational institutions.
Under the approved policy, all teachers, irrespective of gender, cadre or geographical location, will be required to wear a black gown during school hours.
The notification said the gown must be worn over modest and decent attire in accordance with cultural, social and ethical norms.
For male teachers, the recommended dress code included shalwar kameez in “plain and sober colours” or pants and a shirt with closed shoes or sandals with straps.
Female teachers were advised to wear a “suitable dress that reflects dignity”, along with closed shoes or modest sandals.
The notification said that the heads of educational institutions would be responsible for ensuring day-to-day compliance, while CEOs at the district level were directed to ensure strict implementation through monitoring mechanisms.
The department termed the matter “most important” and instructed authorities to implement the orders in letter and spirit.
However, the move was criticised by teachers’ representative bodies.
Punjab Teachers Union (PTU) General Secretary Rana Liaqat told Dawn that the environment in many parts of the province was not suitable for wearing gowns during school hours.
He said many educational institutions lacked basic facilities, including sweepers to maintain cleanliness, and questioned how teachers would manage the gowns in such conditions.
He further said that a suitable gown would cost between Rs3,000 and Rs 4,000, adding that one teacher would require at least two gowns.
Liaqat suggested that instead of gowns, the government should direct teachers to wear shalwar kameez with a waistcoat or dress pants with a plain shirt at the primary, middle and high school levels.
He proposed that gowns could instead be made part of the uniform for higher education teachers at colleges and universities.
He said teachers at the primary, middle and high school levels could not financially afford the additional expense and demanded that if the government wanted to enforce the policy, it should provide monthly financial assistance or a stipend for the gowns.
He also pointed out that many schools did not have security guards or designated office space to safely store the gowns, questioning who would be responsible in case they went missing and teachers had to bear the financial loss.
