The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has issued new strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for girls’ colleges across the province, triggering reactions on social media over what some users have termed “Talibanisation” of education.
Under the new SOPs, colleges are required to obtain prior approval from the Director of Higher Education (DoHE) before organising any kind of event.
Activities involving music, dancing, modeling, or other performances are completely prohibited, and mobile phones are banned during college hours and events.
The directives also mandate that students must wear their college uniforms while attending any event, and videos or photos of such events must not be shared on social media.
Additional measures include strict security and supervision arrangements, “to ensure the safety and modesty of students,” according to the official notice issued by the Directorate of Higher Education, K-P.
The new measures come amid a longstanding education crisis in the province, where gaps in access to schooling have persisted for years.
The notification has sparked mixed reactions online. Some users criticised the directives, with one writing, “What is this, are we in Afghanistan? Hope this notification will revert back.” Another called it a “Tribal Talibani stoneage mentality.”
However, some people supported the move, with one social media user commenting, “This is good. We are training responsible, decent, empowered women.” Another reaction read, “Where’s the surprise? Typical PTI, the political wing of TTP.”
