ISLAMABAD
The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has announced four days of spring vacation for educational institutions under its administrative control from March 24 to March 27, 2026. Since March 28 and March 29 fall on Saturday and Sunday, institutions will reopen on March 30.
However, the decision has triggered disappointment among teachers who believe the short break undermines the very purpose of spring vacations and reflects a continuing pattern of curtailing teachers’ relief periods.
Many teachers say the FDE has once again effectively merged the spring break with upcoming Eid holidays, reducing the independent respite traditionally given to teachers and students.
According to them, such measures amount to a gradual encroachment upon teachers’ right to rest and recovery, which they say is essential for maintaining the quality of teaching.
“Break from extensive teaching work is integral to educational performance,” said a teacher. “Without adequate rest, it becomes difficult for teachers to maintain the level of dedication and energy expected from them.”
Teachers pointed out that spring vacations traditionally span around ten days, usually from April 1 to April 10, providing sufficient time for both teachers and students to recover from the pressures of the academic session and examinations.
They believe the break plays an important role in reenergising the academic community before the next phase of the academic year begins.
A senior faculty member at a college in Islamabad’s H-8 sector termed the decision disappointing. “Such measures appear like an ambush on the relief mechanisms for the teaching community,” he said.
Teachers also recalled that in previous years winter and summer breaks have similarly been curtailed. Some said that teachers were even assigned academic duties during summer vacations, yet the period was never acknowledged as earned leave.
According to educators, teaching is a vocational profession that demands dedication and mental engagement, but the spirit of the profession is gradually being undermined by such administrative decisions.
Teachers have urged the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training to review the policy and ensure that adequate breaks are provided to maintain both educational quality and teachers’ well-being.
