LAHORE – Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced strict action against teachers whose schools perform poorly in matriculation examinations, saying teachers at schools with extremely low pass rates could be removed without show-cause notices.
The minister said teachers working at schools with a matriculation pass rate of 20 percent or below would face dismissal as part of the government’s accountability drive.
Speaking at a press conference at the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR), Hayat said he accepted responsibility for the Class 9 and Class 10 results but stressed that accountability was necessary to improve education standards across Punjab.
2,200 Schools Identified With Low Pass Rates
The Punjab government has identified around 2,200 schools where matriculation pass rates remained at 20 percent or lower.
According to the education minister, a committee will review the performance of these schools before further action is taken.
Hayat said teachers from institutions showing consistently poor results would face consequences, while teachers achieving strong academic outcomes would be recognised and rewarded.
The move is part of the government’s broader effort to improve the quality of education in public schools.
Punjab Blames Reforms For Lower Pass Rates
Rana Sikandar Hayat said recent reforms in the examination system contributed to changes in pass percentages.
He said the Punjab government introduced measures to improve transparency, reduce cheating and eliminate examination-related malpractice.
The minister claimed that no cheating incidents or paper leaks were reported at any examination centre during the latest exams.
He added that the province had improved overall education standards during the past two years despite challenges caused by the reforms.
New Examination Changes Introduced
The education minister said Punjab revised and shortened the Class 9 curriculum this year to align it with international education standards.
He also said the province tested an on-screen marking system and plans to implement it completely next year.
For the first time, practical examinations were also marked at the board level, according to Hayat.
The minister said these reforms were introduced to make the examination process more transparent and reliable.
Government Highlights Teacher Performance Gap
Hayat pointed towards differences in school performance while discussing accountability measures.
He highlighted outsourced schools, which recorded an overall pass rate of 81 percent, as evidence that teacher performance plays an important role in student outcomes.
The minister said the government would continue rewarding teachers who achieve better results while taking action against those whose schools consistently underperform.
Minister Rejects Claims Of Falling College Admissions
During the press conference, Rana Sikandar Hayat also rejected reports suggesting a decline in enrolment at public colleges and universities.
He said admissions had increased significantly this year and that official records supported the government’s position.
The minister said Punjab’s education reforms were aimed at improving learning outcomes and ensuring better performance across educational institutions.
Punjab Tightens Education Accountability Measures
The decision to take action against teachers over poor matric results has sparked debate over accountability in the education sector.
While the government says strict measures are needed to improve academic performance, education experts have often highlighted other factors affecting results, including school facilities, student attendance and learning resources.
The Punjab government says its focus remains on improving examination standards, strengthening transparency and ensuring better outcomes for students.
The implementation of the new accountability policy will determine how the government balances teacher responsibility with broader challenges affecting public education.
Key Points:
- Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced action against schools with poor matric results.
- Teachers at schools with pass rates of 20 percent or below may be dismissed.
- Around 2,200 schools have been identified for low performance.
- A committee will review the results before further action.
- Punjab introduced curriculum changes, on-screen marking tests and board-level practical marking.
- The minister said no cheating or paper leaks were reported during this year’s exams.
- Outsourced schools recorded an overall 81 percent pass rate, according to the minister.
- The government plans to reward high-performing teachers and improve education standards.
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