Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat is facing widespread criticism after remarks about government school teachers were viewed by many as insulting and disrespectful. The comments have sparked a strong reaction from educators and social media users, with many calling for an apology.
Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Bahauddin Zakariya University in Multan on June 24, 2026, the minister said that government school teachers remove ceiling fans and take them away when they leave their schools. The statement quickly went viral on social media, drawing criticism from teachers and members of the public.
Many educators argued that the minister’s remarks unfairly portrayed the entire teaching community, saying the comments generalized isolated incidents and overlooked the dedication of thousands of government school teachers serving across Punjab. Critics maintained that such statements undermine the morale of teachers working under challenging conditions.
Social media users also pointed out that school equipment is sometimes transferred between institutions under official departmental directives, particularly during school mergers, staff transfers, or administrative restructuring. They argued that these official procedures were ignored in the minister’s remarks, leading to a misleading impression.
The controversy intensified online, with many users demanding that the minister issue a public apology. Some also called for his resignation, arguing that his comments reflected a lack of appreciation for the role government teachers play in educating students despite limited resources and infrastructure challenges.
Several critics highlighted the broader issues faced by public schools, including inadequate facilities, poor security, and shortages of essential resources. They urged the government to focus on improving educational conditions and supporting teachers rather than making remarks that many believe damage the reputation of the profession.
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