Teachers oppose replacing FDE colleges’ cultural hubs with IT parks

Islamabad:Even though co-curricular activities are imperative for the holistic development of students, the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) is understood to be moving ahead with plans to convert several college auditoriums in Islamabad into IT parks, triggering widespread concern among teachers and administrators.

The move, reportedly made without consulting college principals and other stakeholders, involves the conversion of auditoriums in Islamabad Model College for Boys (IMCB), H-9; IMCB, Sihala, IMCB, G-10/4; Islamabad Model College for Girls (IMCG), Humak; IMCG, F-8/1 and IMCG, I-10/4.

Educators insist college auditoriums have traditionally served as vibrant platforms for intellectual, cultural and social engagement, hosting events like debates, dramatics, student elections and graduation ceremonies, so removing these facilities undermines the modern educational model that integrates classroom instruction with practical and extracurricular experiences.

A principal told 'The News' that during his tenure in the ministry, former education Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani had planned to upgrade his college,s hall into a state-of-the-art auditorium, but after his recent transfer, the FDE officials appeared to be reversing his decisions.

“Auditoriums are essential for academic and cultural expression, serving as venues for convocations, student elections, and competitions that foster leadership, creativity, and confidence,” he said.

Another principal said her college hosted a wide range of events from ‘Naat’ and ‘Qirat’ competitions to debates, poetry, dramatics and student elections in the auditorium, so eliminating that space would strip students of vital developmental experiences that complemented classroom learning.

"Beyond co-curricular activities, college halls also serve a crucial logistical function. These halls are primary venues for home exams, Federal Board annual exams, and university examinations. Without these facilities, conducting large-scale examinations becomes extremely difficult," he said.

Educators emphasised that the FDE’s plans overlooked the holistic role such spaces play in shaping students emotionally, intellectually, artistically and morally. While acknowledging the importance of technological development, they argued that it should not come at the expense of facilities that contribute significantly to a well-rounded education.

“There’s ample open space on our campus where a new IT park could be established,” a teacher said.

“With thoughtful planning, we can meet both technological and educational needs.” In a college where the auditorium has already been converted into an IT park last year, its principal revealed the project remains largely inactive.

“The facility has failed to attract student interest and remains closed most of the time. Instead of dismantling more auditoriums, the focus should be on making existing IT parks functional and relevant,” he said.

Another principal said that he was not against technology but development should not come at the cost of spaces that nurtured creativity, collaboration, and confidence. "Constructing IT parks on unused land instead of demolishing key student facilities would show a real commitment to holistic education,” he said.