NCOC to discuss schools closure, exams on April 6

Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood informed on Sunday that education and health ministers will be meeting at the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Tuesday (April 6) to decide whether to open or further close educational institutions.

The minister further stated that exam situation will also be discussed at the meeting.

In a tweet, the minister stated that whatever is decided at the meeting will be a collective decision of the country’s health and education authorities as well as the NCOC.

In light of the ongoing spread of the third wave of the coronavirus in Pakistan, on March 10, the government ordered closure of all schools in Covid-19 hotspots for two weeks from March 15.

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The closure was extended in high-risk areas and specific districts of the country until April 11. Mahmood had back then announced that examinations would be held as per schedule, but the Cambridge authorities would be contacted to delay O and A level exams.

Following concerns expressed by thousands of Pakistani students, Mahmood said the Cambridge International agreed to reschedule O level exams to after May 15.

However, on March 29, it was announced that O level/IGCSE exams in Pakistan will be held from May 10 following consultations with Cambridge International.