Teacher, headmistress served notices over alleged abuse of Class I student

Rawalpindi: The District Education Authority has issued show-cause notices to a teacher and the headmistress of a government girls’ school after allegations that a disabled Class I student was assaulted, according to officials.

The action was taken under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEDA) Act following protests by the child’s parents and other guardians. The notices were issued by District Education Officer (Women) Hajra Shaheen after Chief Executive Officer Yasin Baloch took notice of the matter.

The teacher and headmistress of Government Girls Primary School Dhoke Ziarat have been directed to submit their replies by April 30 and appear for a personal hearing.

Allegations by parents

According to reports, the teacher, identified as Sabiha Tabrez, allegedly struck the student with punches and slaps, leaving marks on her face and forehead. The child was also reportedly forced to stand for extended periods and was locked inside the classroom.

The case drew a strong reaction from the student’s family as well as other parents, who protested and approached the school administration over the alleged treatment of the child.

Parents who contacted the school administration said they were told that corporal punishment was permissible and necessary to maintain discipline. They also alleged that they were advised to move their child to a private school if they were unhappy with the situation.

Department initiates proceedings

The issuance of notices marks the start of formal disciplinary proceedings against the two school officials. The education department has sought written responses from both individuals and has also ordered them to appear in person for a hearing.

Educational sources said that under the relevant authority rules, cases of this nature do not require an inquiry before action is taken. They said such proceedings can result in direct penalties, including dismissal from service.

The matter has brought renewed attention to complaints regarding the treatment of students in schools, particularly in cases involving young children and those with disabilities. In this case, the department’s intervention followed public protest by the family and other guardians, prompting senior district education officials to act.

No further details were provided in the report about the student’s condition beyond the alleged marks on her face and forehead, or about any response submitted so far by the teacher or the headmistress.