Pakistan minister vows to end corporal punishment in all schools

On October 26, Plan Pakistan launched Learn without Fear in the province of Gilgit-Baltistan (North). The new project aims to improve the quality of education in all the districts of the area by enhancing teachers’ professional skills.

Lack of resources and shortage of trained teachers are considered to be the main factors of school drop out in the province. The use of corporal punishment also prevents many children from attending school.

Inaugurated by Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah, the ceremony was also attended by high level provincial representatives, including the Education Secretary, members of NGOs and school head teachers. “The government is committed to eradicate corporal punishment from all public and private educational institutions of Gilgit-Baltistan for the sake of children’s rights”, said Mr. Shah. He also stated that a legislation to ban corporal punishment against children in and out of school will be discussed in the local Assembly.

Learn Without Fear in Pakistan

Plan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the education department of Gilgit-Baltistan. The department gives orientation to school head teachers on eradicating corporal punishment from all educational institutions in the seven districts of the area. Plan is already working in Punjab (Center) with the teachers’ association to promote positive discipline in schools.

At national level, Plan has been actively involved in developing the child protection bill currently pending in the Parliament, which includes anti-corporal punishment measures.

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