ISLAMABAD: Schools in Islamabad and Rawalpindi will remain closed on Tuesday due to ongoing protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The Rawalpindi district administration has confirmed the decision, with the Deputy Commissioner citing the prevailing situation in the district as the reason. Similarly, the Private Schools Association of Islamabad announced the closure of all private schools in the capital, citing safety concerns linked to the protests.
Authorities have clarified that the closure is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff, given the uncertainty and potential security risks associated with the demonstrations. The decision aims to maintain peace and prevent any disruptions within the educational community.
Separately, Punjab Secretary of Schools Khalid Nazir Wattoo announced that schools in the province would observe winter holidays from December 20, 2024, to January 10, 2025. This announcement coincides with an order by the Lahore High Court (LHC) addressing transportation concerns for students after the break.
In a three-page written order issued by Justice Shahid Karim, the LHC mandated that schools must provide pick-and-drop services for students to mitigate the effects of smog. Non-compliance will result in the sealing of schools. The court also prohibited schools from issuing disclaimers absolving themselves of transportation responsibilities.
The Punjab government informed the court of actions taken against stubble burning, including arrests, and emphasized maintaining a database of public and private buses to improve the situation.
