In institutions that offer co-education, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has made the wearing of the headscarf by female students and staff mandatory. In mixed-gender educational institutions, the decision has been made to ensure that dress code regulations be implemented.
A circular from the Directorate of Elementary and Secondary Education has been distributed among the area’s schools and institutions, ordering them to strictly enforce the dress code or face repercussions. The circular does not, however, make it clear what steps will be taken to punish rule-breakers.
The notification is being published in accordance with “our faith and the moral norms of our community,” according to AJK Education Minister Dewan Ali Khan Chughtai. While some people have supported the decision, others have opposed it, claiming it violates women’s rights and is discriminatory.
Social media users have been debating the decision and voicing their opinions on it. While some people support the dress code, others have objected to it, claiming that it violates the ideals of gender equality and personal freedom.
Human rights advocates have also questioned the action, claiming that such orders violate the freedom of expression and the right to personal preference. It has still to be seen how the clothing code will be put into effect and whether it will ever be challenged in court.
