46 schools shut down across DI Khan over inadequate security measures

Schools will remain closed for a period of five days, while management takes required security measures

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: In wake of the recent surge in terrorism and subsequent threat alerts issued, 46 schools were temporarily closed down by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Education Department over inadequate security measures.

There were no CCTV cameras or barbed wires surrounding the boundary walls, said an official. The schools have been directed to implement the necessary security measures, in accordance to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued, he added.



The schools will remain closed for a period of five days, while the management installs the required security mechanism. The 46 schools include 15 in the city, 10 in Parwa Tehsil, nine in Tehsil Kolachi and 12 in Paharpur tehsil.

After a string of bombings across the country, private schools in Lahore put in a request to the government last week to ensure adequate security for students.

“Pakistan is experiencing a fresh spell of violence and terrorism, and if continued, it will shake the painstakingly restored confidence of common Pakistanis,” said a statement issued by the All Pakistan Private Schools Federation (APPSF) on Friday. “According to Articles 9 and 25 of the Constitution, it is the constitutional duty of the state and government to provide security to every citizen of Pakistan.”



Private schools and associations, the statement said, had been cooperating with the government to ensure implementation of the security SOPs. However, providing security was part of the government’s job and it should be ensured.