Clarification: ISPR says 12 APS students are visiting US

Claims initial reports confused two separate trips of schools.

PESHAWAR: Inter-Services Public Relations has issued a clarification about Army Public School students who are currently visiting the US.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the army’s media wing has said 12 and not five students from APS on Warsak Road have gone on the overseas visit.

“Initial news reports, which suggest only five students from the army-run school are visiting the US, are based on incorrect information,” read a copy of the statement available with The Express Tribune. “Also, no student from any other branch of APS has been selected for the visit.”

According to the document, six students each from Class 10 and first-year are visiting the US along with two teachers and group in charge for the US-Pakistan Global Leadership and STEM Program. “The visit began on July 25 and students will return on August 12,” it added.

Confusion reigns

Earlier this week, reports suggested 10 students from army-run schools, including five from APS Warsak Road, left for Washington DC. It was alleged that the remaining students belonged to another school on Mall Road in Peshawar. However, the ISPR statement claims these initial reports have confused two separate visits by students and misinformed the public.

“At least 18 students from three army-run schools in Peshawar, Quetta and Mardan are visiting the US from July 20 to August 12 for another programme,” read the statement. “These are two separate visits with fairly similar dates.”

On merit

According to the document, the APS administration selected students who would go for the overseas visit on the basis of merit.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2015.