MUZAFFARABAD: In a regressive move, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has made it compulsory for female students and teachers to wear hijab in mixed-gender educational institutions.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Education Department issued the directives in this regard.
The circular said that it has come to the observation of the Education Department that women teachers and students are not made to wear hijabs in co-education institutions, therefore they are directed to wear them.
“Female students and teachers should be strictly bound to wear hijab,” the circular said.
The circular also warned of strict action against the heads of the institutions in case of non-compliance with the issued directives.
AJK Elementary and Secondary Education Minister Deevan Ali Khan Chughtai told Dawn that the circular was issued in accordance with Islamic principles.
He also said the decision was taken after complaints were made by parents in this regard.
The minister elaborated that hijab for girl students has only been mandated for high schools and higher secondary schools, not for universities.
The minister also said they have enforced a strict dress code for male teachers as well, while adding that the decision was taken after consulting with all stakeholders involved, including parents and teachers.
