Punjab schools to remain closed for two days

The Punjab government has announced the closure of all educational institutions across the province for two days due to security concerns, Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced Thursday.

All public and private schools, colleges, and universities will remain closed on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10, with classes scheduled to resume Monday, May 12.

While citing "deteriorating law and order situation" as the reason for the decision, officials did not specify any particular security threats.

The education department has directed all institutions to comply with the order and advised students to monitor official communications for updates.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified following a attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which resulted in the deaths of 22 tourists. India has accused Pakistan of being involved in the incident—an allegation Islamabad has strongly denied.

In the wake of the attack, India announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the closure of the Wagah-Attari land crossing with Pakistan. The actions have drawn strong condemnation from Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC), which warned that any attempt to block the flow of water would be considered an act of war under international law.

The situation escalated further during the night of May 6 and 7, when Indian forces reportedly launched missile attacks on six locations within Pakistan. According to the DG ISPR, at least 31 civilians, including women and children, were martyred and 71 others were injured in the strikes.