Islamabad, July 2, 2025: Punjab’s Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced a sweeping rationalization plan to address the province’s deepening teacher crisis. Over 47,000 surplus teachers in government schools will be redistributed within two weeks to balance staff shortages across the region.
The decision, announced via the minister’s official Facebook page, aims to shift excess teaching staff from overstaffed schools to institutions facing severe faculty gaps. This rationalization drive is being launched at a time when Punjab’s public education system is struggling with a critical shortage of educators.
Currently, nearly 65% of permanent teaching posts in government schools remain vacant. This includes thousands of key roles in grades 17 to 20, such as headmasters, headmistresses, and subject specialists. The shortfall is largely attributed to delayed promotions and a prolonged hiring freeze.
Officials warn the crisis is hitting rural and underdeveloped areas of South Punjab the hardest, where students lack access to private tuition options. With a total deficit approaching 100,000 teaching positions, the rationalization plan is seen as a necessary short-term fix to prevent further learning disruptions.
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Education sector insiders stress that while redistribution may help optimize existing resources, a long-term recruitment strategy is essential. The provincial government is expected to announce further reforms to streamline promotions and accelerate hiring in the coming months.
