Private schools vow to follow SOPs

Welcome proposal to reopen institutions

ISLAMABAD: A representative body of private schools on Monday hailed a proposal put forward by Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood to reopen schools, but under strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).

All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association (APPCSA) President Malik Abrar Hussain on Monday assured the government that their member schools will follow all precautionary guidelines to prevent the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) from spreading amongst schoolchildren.

Noting that schoolchildren are reportedly less affected by the pandemic, Hussain said that the measure proposed by the ministry will help save the academic year of many students.

Petition against cut in school fees dismissed

He further said that if the government decides to reopen schools, all members of his association will completely comply with the SOPs formulated by the government to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Private educational institutions will cooperate with the government in every possible way, he added.

Hussain added that the closure of educational institutions due to the pandemic had left thousands of teachers jobless while it forced hundreds of educational institutions to close. In this regard, he demanded that the government announce a bailout package for private educational institutions.

Hussain further sought financial assistance through the Ehsas programme for teachers who have been rendered unemployed due to the closure of schools. Moreover, private educational institutions should also be given relief in utility bills.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2020.