Karachi College Directorate Enforces Formal Dress Code for Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff

The Directorate of College Education for the Karachi region issued a circular on Thursday directing all employees to adhere strictly to the prescribed dress code, citing concerns that casual attire undermines professional standards.

The notification, reviewed by Dawn, expressed “serious concern” that certain staff members — particularly male employees — were reporting for duty in casual or “inappropriate attire.” Prohibited items include T-shirts, jeans, tight-fitting clothing, slippers, and fancy sunglasses.

“Such attire is inconsistent with the professional standards expected in government educational institutions and shall not be permitted during official working hours,” the circular states.

Under the revised guidelines, male teaching staff — especially those posted at government girls’ colleges — are required to wear “decent and formal attire,” preferably a full-sleeved shirt with formal trousers or a traditional shalwar kameez. Teachers are also advised to wear an academic gown with formal shoes while delivering lectures.

Female teaching staff must wear “decent, modest, and professional attire” befitting an educational environment. The directive notes that their dress “should reflect the dignity of the teaching profession and help maintain a respectful academic environment.” They, too, are advised to don an academic gown with formal shoes during lectures.

For non-teaching staff, particularly those serving in government girls’ colleges, the circular permits “neat, decent, and official attire appropriate to their duties.”

The Directorate has instructed all principals of government colleges in the Karachi region to disseminate these instructions to employees and ensure strict compliance. Violations will be addressed under applicable government rules and departmental regulations.

The circular explicitly prohibits T-shirts, jeans, tight-fitting clothes, and fancy sunglasses during office hours for all employees, emphasizing that the directives be treated as “most important” and followed “in letter and spirit.”

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