LAHORE: Punjab government has directed all teachers working in the public sector schools across the province to wear black gowns during duty hours, introducing a standardised dress code to promote uniformity and professional identity.

A notification issued by the School Education Department Punjab on Feb 19, available with Dawn, stated that the new dress code will come into effect from Feb 23.

The department directed all chief executive officers (CEOs) of the District Education Authorities (DEAs) to ensure strict implementation of the dress code across Punjab.

According to the notification, teaching is a profession that commands respect, authority and moral leadership in society, and the dignity and credibility of teachers are reflected through their conduct and appearance.

PTU official demands special allowance for the attire

It states that a well-defined dress code will enhance respect for teachers among students, parents and the community, while also promoting discipline, equality and a focused learning environment within educational institutions.

Under the approved policy, all teachers, irrespective of gender, cadre or geographical location, will be required to wear a black gown during school hours. The gown has been described as a symbol of academic dignity, professionalism and equality, and must be worn over “modest and decent attire, in accordance with cultural, social and ethical norms.”

For male teachers, the recommended dress includes shalwar kameez in plain and sober colours or pant and shirt, along with closed shoes or sandals with straps. Female teachers have been advised to wear suitable dresses that reflect dignity, along with closed shoes or sandals.

The school heads would be responsible for ensuring day-to-day compliance of the dress code, while CEOs at the district level have been directed to monitor them. The department has termed the matter “most important” and instructed the authorities concerned to implement the orders in letter and spirit.

However, the move has drawn criticism from teachers’ representatives.

Punjab Teacher Union (PTU) Secretary General Rana Liaqat told Dawn that the environment in many parts of the province was not suitable for wearing gowns during school hours.

Deploring conditions in many educational institutions, which lacked even basic facilities, cleanliness, he wondered how teachers would manage their gowns in such conditions.

He added that a proper gown would cost between Rs3,000 and Rs4,000, and a teacher would need at least two gowns, saying the move would put more financial burden on the teachers.

He demanded that if the government wanted to enforce the dress code, it should provide monthly allowance or stipend to teachers to buy gowns.

Rana Liaqat suggested that instead, the government should direct teachers to wear shalwar kameez with waistcoat or dress pants with a plain shirt at the primary, middle and highs chool levels. He proposed that gowns could instead be made part of the uniform in higher education institutions.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2026