paint-shirt,” he argued.
Atif Khan, who belongs to the PTI, ruled out any differences with the JI over the issue. He said he discussed the matter with his cabinet colleague Inayatullah Khan of the Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) and was convinced that there was no problem in changing the colour and giving the option to students of the two sets of uniforms in different areas.
The issue hit headlines when the new provincial chief of JI Mushtaq Ahmad Khan issued a statement, opposing the proposed changes in uniform. Mushtaq Ahmad was of the opinion that paint-shirt was the symbol of Americanisation and Westernisation and they would not accept the change in the uniform.
Provincial general secretary of the JI Abdul Wasi, however, told The News that the issue was highlighted out of proportion in the media. He said they have neither launched any protest against the proposal nor formally opposed it. “Also, the government has not yet taken any formal decision to change the existing uniform and introduce paint and shirt,” he reminded.
He said the JI expressed its concern on the basis of some genuine reasons. He said that majority of the schools were lacking furniture and other basic facilities.
“How would a kid sit on bare floor in paint and shirt in a school where there is no furniture,” he asked.
Abdul Wasi said the JI wanted the government to focus its attention on provision of basic facilities to the schools instead of wasting energy on non-issues. “We are coalition partners in the government and the issue would be resolved internally in an amicable manner. Also, there is no harm in the use of national dress of shalwar-kameez,” he added. There were reports that Chief Minister Pervez Khattak made a phone call to Mushtaq Ahmad Khan to felicitate him on assuming the office of provincial chief of JI. During their talk, the matter of uniform was also discussed and both agreed to hold a meeting on the issue. However, the date for the meeting has not been finalised.