Federal govt decides to open schools

The government on Wednesday decided to open all educational institutions across the country despite the recent surge in Covid-19 cases.

Talking to media persons following a meeting of National Command and Operation Centre in Islamabad, the minister said that all educational institutions will be opened gradually with 50 per cent attendance.

Number of decisions made today in Inter provincial education ministers meeting. Staggered opening of schools throughout the country except Sindh where the provincial govt to decide on August 8. https://t.co/duaRg8RAle

— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) August 4, 2021

Mahmood further stated that examinations will continue as per schedule across the country except Sindh.

“The Sindh government has implemented lockdown in the province till Sunday and the provincial education minister will review the situation at some later stage,” he added.

Exams to continue as per date sheet but 5% marks added to compulsory subjects for 9, 10, 11, 12 https://t.co/duaRg8RAle

— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) August 4, 2021

The minister also said that the vaccination of university students will be compulsory till August 31.

He said the next meeting in this regard will be held on August 25 to review the situation.

The minister also appealed school children to not fall for rumours on social media about government announcements.

“The announcements made by the education ministry and provincial education departments should only be paid heed to. We are taking decisions keeping in view the safety of our children,” he added.

Mahmood also announced that students will get five per cent extra marks in compulsory subjects — which will be in addition to proportionate marking they acquire through the results of elective subjects.

The government had earlier decided to test students only on elective subjects.

Elaborating further on the decision, the minister said that it had been decided that marks acquired by students in elective subjects would proportionately be given in compulsory subjects, along with an addition of five per cent.