Panic, confusion in twin cities over closure of schools

CADD says schools in Islamabad will remain open


Our Correspondent January 26, 2016
Students seen going to school. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD AZEEM/EXPRESS

ISLAMABAD:


Punjab government’s announcement early on Tuesday to close all schools in the province till January 31 created confusion and uncertainty among parents and students in twin cities.


While most of the schools opened as usual, some private schools told parents to pick their kids at noon after the Punjab government’s announcement.

Schools closed 'over extreme weather conditions'

Some parents rushed to the school amid rumours that terrorist threat was behind the Punjab government’s announcement.

A principal of a private school said around 6:30am they received information that several private schools had decided to close. “We decided to close the school just for a day and will take decision on further information,” she commented.

Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) Secretary Khalid Hanif told The Express Tribune that the schools that announced winter vacation had their head offices in Lahore. “They have followed orders from their headquarters.” He said CADD had issued no directive to close any school.

A member of Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority also denied any decision or announcement to close schools. “There is nothing even under consideration,” he stated, adding that institutions taking decisions in individual capacity might have their own concerns.

Schools in Peshawar closed over threat of possible attack

Four Pindi schools put on notice

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi District administration on Tuesday issued notices to four private schools directing them to improve security.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) Cantonment Dr Sitaish visited various schools and colleges to inspect the security arrangements and found five schools violating the directions issued by the Punjab government for schools security.

The schools put on notice are Roots International, Springfield Public School and College, Askaria College, and St John’s High School.

The schools were warned to plug the loopholes in seven days or the government would seal them. The AC visited schools that have been placed in category A with regards to security needs.

The assistant commissioner was accompanied by DSP Cantonment Circle Syed Iqbal Kazmi and a deputy district education officer.

Sitaish declared security at Army Public School, Range Road, satisfactory.

FIRs registered against govt schools, offices for lack of security

Education department sources told The Express Tribune that the Punjab government had directed Rescue 1122 to train school teachers in dealing with an emergency.

Schools’ closure criticised

Separately, All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association has criticised the Punjab government for keeping all schools closed till February 1.

In a press release, association’s president Abrar Ahmed Khan said longer vacations would affect upcoming annual examination for primary schools.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 27th, 2016.

COMMENTS (1)

Dija | 8 years ago | Reply I am surprised to learn that some people have criticized the decision to close the schools..preventive measures are far more important and this decision is appreciable since thousand of innocent lives are concerned and the school management should not at all be in any hurry...risking lives of children would be an unforgivable sin!
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