21 private schools sealed in Cantt areas
A sealed lock is seen at the gate of Save the Children charity's office in Islamabad, Pakistan, June 12, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS
As the deadline given by the Supreme Court approaches, Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment Boards have started sealing private educational institutions functioning in residential areas.
Chaklala Cantonment Board officials sealed nine schools on Thursday while the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board sealed 12 schools.
Cantonment boards’ officials said that more schools will be sealed on Friday. The Cantonment staff sealed the schools with the help of police and also put up notices at the main entrance gates of the sealed schools. The move sparked protests from the All-Pakistan Private Schools Association (APPSA) and school owners.
An emergency meeting of the APPSMA Joint Action chaired by Chaudhry Nasir Mahmood was also held to discuss the sealing of private educational institutions in Cantonment areas across the country including in Rawalpindi and Chaklala.
The participants of the meeting said that the act of the Cantonment administration was tantamount to inciting school owners, teachers and students to protest.
Nasir Mahmood said that on the one hand, the OIC meeting was going to be held on December 18 while on the other hand, the Cantonment administration was forcing the private educational institutions to take to the streets and take the path of protest. “What impression are we giving to OIC member states?” he asked demanding the station commander to take notice of this matter.
The meeting participants said that the review appeals of private educational institutions were scheduled to be heard in the Supreme Court on Thursday but could not be taken due to the leave of a judge. The meeting participants requested the Cantonment administration to postpone the sealing of schools till the adjudication of the review appeals filed by private educational institutions.
They also said that the educational institutions which have been sealed should be de-sealed immediately, otherwise, the cantonment administration would be responsible for any untoward situation.
The speakers said the cantonment boards’ decision will result in the closure of 8,530 private schools and affect 3 million students and around 0.35 million teaching and non-teaching staff.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 17th, 2021.