Varsities may reopen for students from Aug

Varsities in the province have subsequently formed committees to finalise the guidelines for the purpose.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) said that universities can allow students to return in phases from next month.

In the first phase, from August 3 to 15, those students who have internet connectivity issues - particularly those from the newly-merged tribal districts - will be allowed to take classes on campuses while strictly following the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to protect against the novel coronavirus (Covid-19). They will be joined by students who are in their final year or are doing house jobs - as is the case with medical students - and faculty will be allowed.

In the last phase, all students and staff will be allowed on campus.

However, the commission said that vice-chancellors and the syndicate of universities will be empowered to take the final decision on the matter in the context of their situation.

In this regard, University of Peshawar Spokesperson Ali Imran told The Express Tribune that the university has formed a committee in this regard.

He added that the committee has so far met twice and it had decided the varsity will soon reopen for facility members under the government-prescribed SOPs.Wafaqul Madaris exams from July 11

Wafqul Madariss Provincial Nazim Maulana Hussian Ahmed has said that the annual exams of seminaries in the province will be held from July 11. He added that all SOPs prescribed by the health department for Covid-19 will be followed.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting of the umbrella body of all madrassas in Peshawar on Wednesday. A statement issued by the body after the meeting said that those students appearing in the exams will have to wear face masks and will also observe all other government SOPs. Moreover, social distancing will also be observed.Teachers want schools to reopen

An organisation for the welfare of subject specialist teachers and secondary school teachers has demanded the provincial government reopen all public and private schools in the province apart from passing a resolution in the provincial assembly on upgrading their cadre.

This was demanded by members of the organisation during an event for teachers in the Katlang area of Mardan on Wednesday.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 9^th, 2020.