Smog forces 5-day school closure

Govt offices to enforce 50% attendance rule, with remaining work moving online

RAWALPINDI:

Amid toxic smog and continuous drought-like situation in the Rawalpindi Division and Islamabad, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Environment Protection Department (EPD) have announced a five-day holiday in all government and private schools from November 13 to November 17.

A 50% attendance will also be implemented in all 43 government institutions following Corona's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) style, while the remaining attendance of office work will shift online. Notifications have been issued to formally implement it.

All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association (APPSMA) President Abrar Ahmed Khan and All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association (APPSCA) President Irfan Muzaffar Kayani have criticised the school closures due to smog, pointing out that it's a widespread issue across Punjab, not just limited to educational institutions.

They argued that children would still be exposed to smog in their homes, streets, neighbourhoods and even on rooftops. "The annual examinations will take place in two months and entrance tests for Class IX and matriculation are underway," they said and feared a five-day closure would cause significant educational disruption and loss for students.

"Don't experiment with education; let students attend classes with necessary SOPs, masks and clean water as five vacations will result in a significant learning loss," they advised.

Meanwhile, All Pakistan Private School Management Association's Women Wing President, Sakina Taj, has strongly opposed the closure of the education system in Punjab due to smog, citing it as a violation of the fundamental constitutional right to education.

She argued that the real culprits behind smog and pollution were corrupt institutions, smoke-emitting industries, fossil fuels and transportation. "One of the objectives of the government has been to immediately close schools to address any emergencies. The smog situation in Rawalpindi Division is not severe," she claimed, urging the government to reconsider its decision.

Sakina stated that education is a fundamental right of every child under Article 25-A, which cannot be suspended. She underscored the importance of this period for studies, stressing that holidays will disrupt midterm exam schedules and shorten the academic session to less than 100 days.

Murree schools to remain open

On the other hand, the Education Department has exempted Murree from the smog-related school closures, clarifying that all public and private schools in the area will remain open as usual.

According to a new notification issued by the Ministry of Education, there is no smog-related issue in Murree, and therefore, no holidays will be observed.