Schools reopen amid low attendance

QUETTA:

Schools, colleges, and universities in Balochistan's cold districts reopened on Monday after a two-and-a-half-month winter break, marking the start of the new academic year.

However, the first day saw extremely low student attendance, as severe cold, parents' financial hardships, and preparations for the upcoming Eidul Fitr combined to keep many classrooms nearly empty.

According to the Balochistan Education Department, institutions in Quetta, Killa Abdullah, Mastung, Ziarat, Qalat, Pishin, Loralai, Khuzdar, and other high-altitude areas resumed classes following the extended holiday from mid-December to late February. Education department spokesperson confirmed that the academic year has formally begun, with free textbooks to be distributed to all students. Parents have been urged to ensure regular attendance to make up for any learning losses during the break.

In reality, attendance remained dismal. School administrations reported that only 30 to 40 per cent of students showed up on the opening day.