Punjab bans jeans, T-shirts for male teachers, enforces traditional dress code for female instructors

In a move to promote professionalism and cultural appropriateness in educational institutions, the Punjab School Education Department on Tuesday announced a new dress code policy for teachers across all government and private schools in the province.

According to the new guidelines, male teachers will no longer be allowed to wear jeans and T-shirts during school hours, while female teachers are required to wear shalwar kameez with a dupatta.

The department said that the dress code is designed to foster a respectful and professional learning environment.

In addition to the dress policy, schools have also been instructed to arrange proper facilities for Zuhr prayers during school hours, ensuring that religious practices are accommodated within the daily schedule.

This development follows a similar initiative launched last month by the Sindh Education Department, which introduced its own code of conduct covering attire, behavior, and professional ethics.

In Sindh, female teachers are encouraged to dress in traditional clothing, avoid heavy makeup and high heels, and keep jewelry modest.

Read more: 'No makeup, heels, T-shirts and jeans': Sindh issues code of conduct for teachers

Male teachers are also expected to maintain a formal appearance and avoid casual clothing like jeans and T-shirts.

Furthermore, the Sindh policy strictly prohibits the use of tobacco products, including cigarettes and chewable tobacco, during duty hours.

Both Punjab and Sindh education departments have underlined the importance of maintaining professionalism, discipline, and ethical standards in schools—highlighting attire and personal conduct as key elements of a teacher's role in setting a positive example for students.