Balochistan schools closed till March 1

Markets ordered to close by 8pm, marriage halls allowed to function till 11pm

QUETTA:

The Balochistan government on Wednesday announced to close all educational institutes throughout the province till March 1 next year.

The move comes in view of surging coronavirus cases and extreme cold weather in Balochistan.

"According to the decision of the federal government, educational institutions in Balochistan will be closed from November 26 onwards," said Director Schools Balochistan Nizamuddin Mengal.

He clarified that an earlier notification pertaining to the aforementioned matter was cancelled because the district education officer of Quetta is not authorized to issue any order.

"Earlier, the letter issued by the District Education Officer Quetta was canceled due to lack of administrative powers," Mengal added.

He further said that a high level forum consisting of provincial government officers will be formed to implement the decision to shut down education institutions as people belonging to the private schools association might create hindrance.

On the other hand, Balochistan government spokesperson Liaquat Ali Shahwani warned that people found violating Covid-19 SOPs issued by the health authorities would face strict action.

“The second wave of the virus is increasing the patients and death toll in the province,” he said while addressing a press conference on Wednesday.

Shahwani highlighted that a well-known shopping mall was sealed in Quetta by a female magistrate due to violation of SOPs.

He added that the shops, markets and business centres would be allowed to open from 6am till 8pm while wedding halls can function till 11pm in Quetta with immediate effect. “If the people and traders will not cooperate regarding implementation on SOPs then they will be sealed.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26^th, 2020.