28 August 2004	Saturday	11 Rajab 1425

KARACHI, Aug 27: Sindh Education Minister Dr Hamida Khuhro, in an official statement on Friday, directed the officials concerned to ban all forms of physical punishment in the schools of the province.

The announcement said the minister took the decision in response to various public complaints. Dr Khuhro also ordered a ban on the meetings of teachers' associations during the school hours, besides prohibiting use of mobile phones in classrooms.

She ordered that the directives be forwarded to all the EDOs for immediate implementation, and also to ensure discipline and system of vigilance in the educational institutions.

She also took notice of the delay in submission of report on the alleged rape of a student, and asked Sindh Education secretary to visit Sukkur to investigate the matter.

With regard to the alleged torture of a student of class-VII by a teacher in the Government Higher Secondary School, Naudero, Dr Khuhro directed the EDO, Education, Larkana, to conduct a probe and submit a report immediately. -APP