MAILSI: The Punjab government’s flagship welfare and education initiative, the School Nutrition Programme, has been formally launched in Tehsil Mailsi with the aim of protecting children from malnutrition and improving their learning abilities by providing balanced nutritional support. The programme is being implemented across District Vehari, including Tehsil Mailsi, under the Punjab government’s vision of “Health and Education Together.” According to official figures, there are 593 government primary schools in District Vehari with a
Child Rights in Focus
ISLAMABAD: The Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR) has underlined the importance of introducing “Good Touch, Bad Touch” education in school curricula to create awareness among children and pre-empt abuse. The caucus held a meeting at the Parliament House, which was also attended by provincial and regional coordinators. Convenor PCCR Dr Nikhat Shakeel Khan chaired the meeting, which deliberated on pressing child rights issues across the country. The forum served as a platform for
SUKKUR: Police produced a Hindu girl, who converted to Islam and contracted free-will marriage, before a court on January 21 in Jacobabad. The judge recorded statements of the girl and her parents and ordered that the girl be sent to Darul Aman (a women’s shelter) for a few days. Outside the court, she told reporters: “No one kidnapped me. I left home of my own free will, converted to Islam and married Naseebullah Pathan
LAHORE: The growing population of stray dogs in Punjab has become a serious concern for public safety and animal welfare, as dog bite incidents rise alongside reports of inhumane killings, highlighting gaps in the implementation of existing policies. In a recent case, Yasir Khan, a father of four from Umerkay Kalan in Sambrial tehsil, Sialkot, reportedly died after being bitten by a stray dog. Official data indicates that nearly 150,000 people across Punjab have
RAWALPINDI: To cope with a severe financial crisis, education boards have imposed what has been described as a massive “fee bomb” on students appearing in board examinations. A new charge for the installation of CCTV cameras at examination centres has also been levied on students, along with an additional Rs900 under a newly introduced miscellaneous fee. The certificate fee, previously Rs550, has been increased to Rs1,000. As a result of new fees and taxes,
SUKKUR: Six policemen, including an assistant sub-inspector, were arrested and booked in a case pertaining to subjecting a girl to a sexual assault during custody in a Jacobabad police station, officials said on January 19. The FIR was registered after Jacobabad SSP Mohammad Kaleem Malik conducted an inquiry into allegations levelled by the victim girl in a video statement. A preliminary medical examination report also confirmed that the victim was subjected to gang rape.
KARACHI: Sindh has introduced a new grading system for matriculation and intermediate levels, effective from the 2026 annual examinations. Initially, the system will apply to 9th and 11th grades in 2026, while 10th and 12th grades will adopt it from 2027. The Department of Universities and Boards, with the approval of the relevant minister and the recommendation of the Inter-Board Coordination Committee (IBCC), issued the official notification. Under the new system, passing marks have
MUZAFFARGARH: At least nine children have died and 11 others are in critical condition due to an illness that spread in a settlement near Muzaffargarh during the past month, prompting intervention by the district administration. According to sources, the deaths occurred in Basti Pull Pir Ashab, near Pir Jahanian in Dinpur. The deceased children, aged between one-and-a-half and six years, reportedly developed swelling on the face and high fever before succumbing within two days.
In this 4th episode of LetsTalkEducation, Rahat Rizwan, Senior Coordinator for Education and Early Childhood Development at the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Pakistan office, unpacks what failing schools look like, the major factors behind their decline, and how we can overcome these challenges.
This video features Manizeh Bano, Executive Director of Sahil Pakistan. In this compelling conversation, she discusses the critical issue of child protection, Sahil’s efforts in combating child abuse, and the importance of awareness and policy reforms. Gain valuable insights into the challenges and solutions in safeguarding children’s rights in Pakistan.
RAWALPINDI: The Punjab School Education Department has formally issued an official notification announcing the new operating hours for all government schools across the province. The revised schedule will come into effect from January 19 (today) and will continue to apply until April 15. The step has been taken to counter the prevailing severe cold weather and prolonged fog, which have collectively hampered school’s affairs. This comes after winter vacations were extended an additional week.
SUKKUR: The tragic death of a young boy who drowned in an open drain has sparked widespread grief and anger across Shikarpur, with residents accusing the municipal committee of criminal negligence and a complete failure to protect human lives. Funeral prayers were offered for the deceased child, Adil Lashari, amid heartbreaking scenes of sorrow and despair. Mourners said every eye was filled with tears as the boy’s mother repeatedly fainted during the funeral, while