Viral video shows teacher beating student with stick in Gujar Khan

A video of teacher beating a minor boy with a stick for not preparing his lesson in the Gujar Khan Tehsil of Rawalpindi District is going viral on social media in Pakistan.

In the footage, the child grabbed by some people from his arms and legs can be seen screaming and shouting, but the teacher continues to beat him.

Rawalpindi police have arrested the teacher and registered a case against him.

Corporal punishment is illegal across Pakistan under the Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Act, which forbids the practice in schools, homes, and institutions. However, despite the legal prohibition, physical punishment continues in many educational settings, largely due to weak enforcement and the lack of awareness and training on positive discipline methods.

Several regions have introduced their own legal frameworks — for instance, Sindh has enacted a provincial law banning the practice, while Islamabad’s legislation mandates a 15-day investigation period for any reported complaint.

Experts emphasize that beyond legislation, a cultural shift in attitudes toward child discipline and better teacher training are crucial to eliminating corporal punishment and ensuring safer learning environments for children across the country.