LAHORE: The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has barred male teachers from teaching girls in high school and higher secondary classes in all PEF-affiliated schools.
According to a new circular, male teachers will no longer be allowed to take classes of female students in senior grades. Only female teachers will be permitted to teach girls in high school and higher secondary sections.
PEF said the decision is part of its policy to ensure compliance with education rules, maintain safety, and follow gender-appropriate teaching standards. Schools that fail to follow the order have been warned of strict action.
The directive applies to all PEF-partner schools across Punjab, keeping in view the safety and cultural sensitivities of female students.
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Meanwhile, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Saturday approved three development projects worth $381 million for Punjab, covering agriculture, education, and health sectors. According to a press release, the projects are designed to support economic growth in the province.
ADB Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan said that investing in education, health, and agricultural mechanisation will play a key role in driving Punjab’s economic growth. She said the initiatives will modernise farming, strengthen human capital, and improve livelihoods for millions of people.
A $120 million concessional loan and a $4 million grant have been approved for the Punjab Climate-Resilient and Low-Carbon Agriculture Mechanisation Project.
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The project aims to help the province shift to modern and disaster-resilient farming methods, benefiting 220,000 rural households. It will also support skill development for 15,000 women and introduce a new financing model to provide small farmers with access to advanced machinery.
The ADB has also approved $107 million for the Responsive, Ready, and Resilient STEM Secondary Education Programme in Punjab.
This includes a $7 million grant from the Asian Development Fund and a $100 million concessional loan. The programme, to be implemented by the Punjab School Education Department, aims to upgrade secondary education by improving access to quality STEM learning across the province.
