Balochistan to open schools with strict SOPs

Chief Minister of Balochistan Jam Kamal on Friday said that educational activities throughout the province will be restored with strict standard operating procedures.

Presiding over a high-level meeting in order to review issues related to coronavirus and the mechanism for restoring educational activities in Balochistan, the provincial chief executive, said views of the participating public health experts and senior doctors were sought and a comprehensive mechanism was agreed upon under which children and teachers could be protected from the virus.

The chief minister directed secretaries of the Departments of Health, Information Technology, Education apart from the CM’s Delivery Unit to prepare guidelines primary, middle and high schools, colleges and universities.

He has also tasked the committee to formulate strategy for private schools and madrassas within four days. “The Government of Balochistan has a solid mechanism to restore educational activities.”

CM Kamal added that the aforementioned committee comprises of the education department, UNICEF, PDMA, private schools and religious seminaries in order to finalise a solid mechanism.

“Teachers in government and private schools have been trained in safety precautions regarding the prevention of coronavirus in schools,” the chief minister said. “It is pertinent to note that education of children in Balochistan is more dependent on government schools rather than the private sector.”

He added that due to closure of hostels, students from Balochistan have returned to their home towns and could not avail online classes due to limited internet facilities in remote parts of the province.

Handling Covid-19

Briefing the National Coordination Committee meeting regarding the coronavirus situation in Balochistan, the chief minister said, people have different views on the virus and are not taking the precautions seriously as the spread of the virus has declined in the province.

“However, the provincial government is taking steps to make the public aware of the precautions and ensure implementation on Covid-19 SOPs.”

Furtheron, the CM informed the meeting regarding security of Ashura processions in Balochistan, adding that the provincial government had recently convened a high level meeting at the Central Police Office to review security arrangements and SOPs of coronavirus during Ashoura processions.

“Fool-proof security of Ashura processions is being ensured in the province.”

The provincial chief executive also informed Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding the rising situation after monsoon rains and floods.

“Highways, roads and infrastructure in some districts have been damaged due to monsoon rains and flash floods while corps are destroyed in the provincial green belt.”

He added that reserves in the dams have also increased manifolds which are being monitored cautiously. “I have asked for support of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and National Highway department in order to intensify relief and rescue operations in flood affected areas.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2020.