FDE’s spring break move sparks criticism

Islamabad:The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has come under intense criticism from parents, teachers and students over its decision to merge the government-declared Eidul Fitr public holidays with spring holidays.

Denouncing the move as illogical, deceptive and unfair, they have argued that the regulator has exceeded its authority by curtailing the traditional spring break period and depriving students of a much-needed vacation.

According to the government’s official notification, public holidays for Eidul Fitr will last from March 31 to April 2. However, the FDE, which oversees more than 437 public schools and colleges in Islamabad, declared spring vacation from March 31 to April 4, 2025, effectively merging the two breaks, suggesting that only two additional days have been allocated for the spring break, significantly reducing the customary 10-day holiday period.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism, with many questioning the rationale behind overlapping two distinct holiday periods. Resident Jamaluddin, whose daughter studies in Class 3 in an I-10/1 school, expressed dismay, saying it seems ridiculous that the FDE announced spring vacation during the same period when the government had already declared public holidays for Eid.

"Parents like me had different plans—spending Eid in our hometown and then utilising spring vacation for sightseeing and relaxation. My family wanted to celebrate Eid in Khairpur (Sindh) and then visit relatives in Hyderabad and Karachi during spring break, but the FDE sabotaged our plans. Only two days of spring break is nothing but a joke, a camouflage, and deception," he told 'The News'.

Another parent, Shagufta Naz, whose daughter is enrolled at Islamabad Model College for Girls F-6/2, also criticised the FDE decision, saying the FDE has effectively cut short the spring vacation by merging it with Eid holidays. "A separate 10-day spring vacation should be announced after excluding the Eid holidays. Children need sufficient time to relax after a hectic academic session. This decision is unfair to both students and parents," she said.

A schoolteacher echoed the criticism. "Traditionally, spring break was separate from Eid holidays and lasted for around 10 days. However, starting from the previous academic session, the FDE cleverly merged the spring vacation with Eid holidays. This move has reduced the actual break time for students and created unnecessary confusion," he said. The teacher also said the regulator's decision reflected a lack of consideration for the well-being of students and staff members.

"Spring vacations are meant to provide students and teachers with a proper break to recharge after months of rigorous academic work. By overlapping it with Eid holidays, the FDE has effectively shortened the vacation period, which is both unfair and illogical," he said. The teachers argued that the FDE didn't have the mandate to convert public holidays into spring vacations, so its decision undermined the government's official announcement.