The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has officially announced the reinstatement of a six-day academic week for all schools and colleges under its jurisdiction in Islamabad. From November 30, 2024, to February 1, 2025, educational institutions will operate on Saturdays as well, with Sunday as the only weekly holiday.
This decision aims to recover the instructional hours lost due to recent disruptions, including frequent school closures caused by political protests. The notification, issued on November 29, 2024, highlights that protests—such as those led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)—resulted in several days of shutdowns across the federal capital, raising safety concerns for students and staff.
The directive, approved by the Director General of the FDE, underlines the need to address the adverse effects of these interruptions on students’ academic performance. Schools and colleges in both urban and rural areas must now follow the updated six-day schedule to ensure educational continuity.
The decision seeks to restore balance to the academic calendar by compensating for lost teaching hours. With exams and key academic milestones approaching, the FDE emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent classroom engagement to help students achieve their learning goals.
Parents and education advocates have voiced concerns over the impact of political unrest on students’ education, emphasizing the need for a stable learning environment. While the additional working day has drawn mixed reactions, it is widely seen as a practical step to mitigate the effects of prolonged disruptions.
The new schedule reflects the FDE’s commitment to minimizing the academic gap, ensuring that students across Islamabad have the resources and time necessary to excel in their studies. Educational institutions have been instructed to adhere strictly to the previously notified school timings, implementing the six-day schedule effectively.
