'Hall of shame': Chiniot school switches off fans to 'save electricity' amid brutal heat

A troubling video from a government primary school in Chiniot, Punjab, has triggered outrage online after classroom fans were reportedly switched off to cut electricity costs despite intense heat across the province.

The viral footage shows young children sitting inside crowded classrooms in visibly uncomfortable conditions while temperatures continue to soar during the ongoing heatwave.

According to claims circulating online, the fans were intentionally turned off in an attempt to reduce electricity bills — a detail that sparked immediate criticism and emotional reactions on social media.

Many users questioned how students could be expected to study in such extreme weather, especially in government institutions responsible for children’s welfare and education.

The clip quickly turned into a wider conversation about the condition of public schools and unequal access to basic facilities.

Several users directly called on Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat to intervene and investigate the matter.

One viral comment contrasted the situation with the lifestyles of political elites, writing that while ordinary children suffer in overheated classrooms, the families of powerful figures remain in air-conditioned comfort funded through taxpayer money. "Meanwhile, children of Sharifs, Bhuttos and Generals are sleeping in air conditioned rooms using our tax money," the suer wrote.

Another widely shared comment praised the teacher who reportedly highlighted the issue publicly, saying it showed courage and concern for students despite possible professional risks. "Hats off to the teacher for taking a stand and feeling for her students rather than the job."

Others pointed to broader frustrations around state spending and privileges for officials, arguing that if government institutions cannot provide functioning fans during peak summer temperatures, it reflects a deeper failure in public priorities.

"You must know that even the small government officials get free electricity, gas, A. C from the nation's tax and government cannot even afford to give electricity to the nation's future. Hall of Shame," a user wrote.

The video has continued circulating widely across Pakistani social media, with many users calling the incident both heartbreaking and embarrassing for the education system.