Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Backs 5-Day School Week Proposal in J&K

Srinagar, September 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Jammu and Kashmir’s senior cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Sunday backed the proposal for a five-day school week in the Union Territory, saying the well-being and overall development of children should remain at the centre of the education system.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a religious function in Srinagar, Mirwaiz welcomed the proposal to shorten the school week and said children need adequate time beyond academics.

“Our children need time not only to study, but also to rest, spend time with their families, play and grow in a healthy and balanced manner. Their mental health and overall wellbeing must remain at the heart of education,” he said.

J&K Education Minister Sakina Itoo has said the proposal to introduce a five-day working week for schools in the Union Territory has been forwarded to the Directorate of School Education and is under active consideration by the government.

During his interaction with the media, the Mirwaiz also expressed satisfaction over the participation of children in a Grand ‘Seerah’ Competition organised at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar.

Around 2,800 boys and girls from maktabs, or religious schools, across different districts participated in the competition.

Mirwaiz appreciated the efforts of Maktab Maseeh-ul-Ummah, which organised the programme in collaboration with the Mirwaiz Foundation. He said initiatives focused on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad were important for connecting young people with values such as faith, compassion, good character and service to humanity.

“At a time when our children and youth are facing many social, emotional and moral challenges, it is extremely important that they remain connected with the Seerah of the Prophet, which offers guidance for every aspect of life,” he said.

He also congratulated the participating children, their teachers, parents and organisers, and expressed hope that such initiatives would continue to encourage learning, good character and a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings among the younger generation.