2,500 government schools in Punjab have only one teacher: report

A shocking revelation has exposed the severity of the teacher shortage crisis in Pakistan's largest province, Punjab.

According to data obtained from the School Education Department, 567 government schools in the province lack even a single teacher, while 2,500 schools each have only one teacher available.

In response to this crisis, the SED has announced plans to partner with the private sector to manage 13,000 government schools. 

Schools with zero or one teacher and fewer than 50 students will be handed over to the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) in the first phase. 

The second phase will see 4,453 schools transferred to private sector management, while the third phase will involve handing over 2,903 schools to non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

This decision aims to address the critical teacher shortage and ensure that students in Punjab receive the education they deserve. 

However, the severity of the crisis highlights the need for a more comprehensive solution to address the systemic issues plaguing the education sector in the province.