I proudly call myself a Publican. I joined Divisional Public School, Model Town, Lahore, in 1972 and completed my matriculation in 1981. Those nine years were among the most formative and cherished years of my life.
I still remember a bright sunny day in 1981 when I met our respected Principal, Mr. Abdul Aleem Quraishi, to request a Hope Certificate for applying to the Pakistan Military Academy (JC-11). That meeting symbolized the confidence, discipline, and aspiration that the institution instilled in its students.
At that time, Divisional Public School stood among Lahore’s finest English-medium institutions. It was often mentioned alongside the most prestigious schools of the city — a recognition earned through consistent excellence.
The school was known for:
- Outstanding academic standards
- Dedicated and hardworking teachers
- Expansive sports facilities
- Strong emphasis on extracurricular activities
- Consistently excellent board results
It was more than a school; it was a center for character building, leadership development, and disciplined growth. The foundation was strong, the culture vibrant, and the administration stable.
The Gradual Decline
Institutions rarely deteriorate overnight. The decline is often gradual, shaped by a series of administrative decisions.
A major turning point came when outside principals were appointed instead of promoting experienced senior faculty members from within. Continuity of leadership is critical in educational institutions. Some of these externally appointed principals did not complete their tenure, leaving midway. This instability disrupted planning, weakened governance, and affected morale.
Simultaneously, the involvement of the Commissioner’s Office increased beyond appropriate oversight. What should have remained supervisory gradually became interventionist. Institutional autonomy suffered, and merit-based governance weakened.
The situation further worsened when a principal was appointed without adequate educational background or institutional experience. Academic leadership requires vision, pedagogical understanding, and familiarity with institutional culture. Without these essentials, decline became almost inevitable.
The consequences were visible:
- Administrative instability
- Demoralization among teachers
- Declining academic standards
- Reduced emphasis on sports and extracurricular excellence
- Gradual erosion of institutional identity
The Role of the Publican Society
Throughout these challenging years, the Publican Society and alumni played a constructive and responsible role. They consistently highlighted administrative shortcomings and excessive interventions before successive commissioners.
In several instances, their persistent and principled advocacy led to the reconsideration and reversal of questionable decisions. Their engagement demonstrated that alumni are not mere observers but stakeholders invested in preserving the institution’s legacy.
Such responsible civic participation reflects the very values that Divisional Public School once instilled in its students courage, accountability, and commitment to excellence.
Signs of Corrective Action
Encouragingly, the current Commissioner of Lahore has taken certain long-awaited actions that had previously been highlighted by the Publican Society and alumni to earlier administrations. These steps indicate awareness and seriousness toward institutional reform.
I am confident that her timely and appropriate decisions will begin to produce positive results in the days to come.
The Way Forward: Reviving the Legacy
For Divisional Public School to regain its former stature, certain measures remain essential:
1. Leadership from Within
Preference should be given to selecting principals from experienced senior staff who understand the school’s ethos and traditions.
2. Institutional Autonomy
The role of the Commissioner’s Office and the Board of Governors must remain supervisory rather than interventionist. Academic institutions thrive when granted professional independence.
3. Merit-Based Appointments
All key positions must be filled strictly on merit, competence, and educational experience.
4. Teacher Empowerment
Teachers are the backbone of any institution. Their morale, dignity, and professional stability must be restored.
5. Financial Transparency
A comprehensive financial review and sustainable planning framework are necessary for long-term stability.
6. Revival of Holistic Education
Sports, debates, clubs, and extracurricular activities must once again become central pillars of the school’s identity.
Conclusion
Divisional Public School was built on vision, discipline, and excellence. Its decline was gradual, shaped by administrative instability and excessive interference. Yet institutions with strong foundations can rise again.
For those of us who proudly call ourselves Publicans, the revival of our alma mater is not merely about restoring academic rankings it is about restoring identity, culture, and legacy.
With balanced governance, merit-based leadership, and sustained commitment, Divisional Public School can once again reclaim its rightful place among Lahore’s most respected institutions.
