In late April 2021, a video of a teacher at Aisha Bawany School in Karachi, Pakistan went viral on social media. The video showed the teacher, identified as Saima Riaz, scolding and slapping a student who had apparently not done her homework. The incident sparked widespread outrage, with many condemning the teacher’s actions as corporal punishment and abuse.

However, the controversy also brought up important discussions on discipline, education, and child psychology. While physical punishment is banned in schools in many countries, including Pakistan, some argue that the lack of discipline and respect in schools is a bigger problem. Teachers often face difficult challenges in maintaining order in classrooms, particularly in underfunded and overcrowded schools where students come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

The Aisha Bawany School, a private institution that has been around for more than 50 years, has since launched an internal inquiry into the incident. The school’s principal, Farhat Bawany, has stated that the school does not tolerate violence or abuse against students. The teacher, Saima Riaz, has been suspended pending the results of the investigation.

At the same time, some supporters of the teacher have also defended her actions, saying that the student had been repeatedly warned about her homework, and that the teacher’s actions were not meant to harm or injure the student. They argue that discipline and respect are important values that need to be instilled in children from a young age, and that teachers should be given more leeway in enforcing rules and standards.

Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, the Aisha Bawany School viral video has sparked important debates on disciplinary practices in schools, the role of teachers and parents in child development, and the need for better resources and support for schools in disadvantaged areas. It is also a reminder that education and parenting are complex and often emotional topics that require nuanced discussions and solutions.