Balochistan extends closure of educational institutions till 31st amid coronavirus fear

Decision to reopen academic institutes will be reviewed on March 27, says provincial educational minister

QUETTA: Balochistan Minister for Education Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind on Thursday announced the extension in the closure of educational institutions in the province till March 31.

The decision was taken as a precautionary measure to protect children from COVID-19, the mysterious viral pneumonia-like disease caused by the novel coronavirus, which has killed more than 4,500 people around the world.

So far 21 Pakistanis have been tested positive for COVID-19 – 15 of them belonged to Sindh, five in Gilgit-Baltistan and one in Balochistan.

"Decision to reopen all academic institutes will be reviewed on March 27," the educational minister said. "The matriculation examination has also been postponed."



He further said that the provincial government is also discussing extending the closure of madrassas with the administration of the religious institutes.

The decision was taken after consultation with the Ministry of Health and Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Rind added.

Earlier, the provincial government had extended winter vacations due to severe weather conditions in Balochistan.

Besides, Rind also briefed media about complaints in recruitment tests and assured that action would be taken against officials.



“The education department has obtained evidence of irregularities in appointments of officials and the issue has been reviewed,” the minister said, adding that the department has sent the summary to the chief minister.

Rind assured that CM Kamal would take a decision against irregular appointments and the final decision would be implemented to ensure merit in the education department.

Responding to the issue of ghost teachers in the province, Rind said that the matter would be resolved in two steps.