Azadi march: Private schools in Islamabad to remain closed on Oct 31

Decision to reopen private schools to be taken after reviewing situation on October 31

All private schools in the federal capital will remain closed on October 31 on account of the 'Azadi March' led by Jamaat-e-Ulema-Islami- Fazl (JUI-F).

Abdul Wahid Khan, the secretary of the private schools association, said the decision was taken to ensure the security of students. “All private schools will remain closed.”

Afran Elahi, president of the association, added that the children’s security was a priority and the “decision to reopen schools will be taken after viewing the situation in the federal capital”.

People in power have stolen mandate: Fazl

Meanwhile, the Maulana Fazlur Rehman-led march continues its Islamabad-bound journey. The JUI-F chief will address the participants twice in Lahore – once when he arrives and before leaving for Islamabad.

More than 21,000 security personnel comprising police, Frontier Corps (FC) and Rangers have been deployed across the federal capital.

At least 14,000 Punjab police personnel, 5,000 of federal police, 1,000 FC and 500 personnel of Rangers would be deployed to secure various spots in the city including 72 entry and exit points of the federal capital, important government buildings and surroundings of the ground in Sector H-9 where the participants, coming from different parts of the country, would merge.

Furthermore, some 200 traffic wardens and 150 personnel from special branch would also perform duties during the march.