Pakistan has been gripped by a wave of protests following the arrest of Imran Khan, the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), by Rangers personnel from the premises of the Islamabad High Court. In response to the uncertain situation, the All Pakistan Private Schools Federation (APPSF) announced that all schools would remain closed on Wednesday, 10th May, 2023. The decision was made in view of the emergency conditions prevailing across the country, according to APPSF President Kashif Mirza.
Exam Cancellations
The protests have also led to the cancellation of several exams. The British Council has cancelled all papers scheduled on May 10 due to the uncertainty in the country following Imran Khan’s arrest. According to a statement issued after private schools announced the closure of educational institutions, the British Council said that exams that were to be held on Wednesday in both morning and evening shifts have been cancelled.
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Similarly, the Country Director with Cambridge International Examinations, Uzma Yousuf, announced that the O-Level Physics and A-Level Mathematics exams scheduled to be held on May 10th in both morning and evening shifts have been postponed. The council added that since the exam will be held as per schedule across the world, it will not be conducted again in Pakistan, and the grades will be allotted on an average basis.
Impact on Education
The closure of schools and cancellation of exams have a significant impact on the education sector, particularly on students who have been preparing for their exams for months. The APPSF has assured that an announcement regarding the resumption of regular classes will be made after discussions. However, the uncertainty regarding the resumption of classes has caused anxiety among students and parents alike. Moreover, the cancellation of exams raises questions about the grading system and the validity of the results. Students who have been preparing for their exams may feel that their hard work has gone in vain, and the cancellation of exams may impact their future prospects.
Call to Protest
PTI has called for protests across Pakistan following Imran Khan’s arrest. The party urged its supporters to block all roads and close all shops. Subsequently, PTI workers held protests in several cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi etc. Protesters clashed with the police, causing damage to public property and injuring several people. The closure of schools and cancellation of exams show the impact of political instability. The uncertainty and anxiety caused by these events demonstrate the need for political stability to ensure the smooth functioning of the education sector.
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The closure of schools and cancellation of exams due to political instability is a cause of concern for the education sector in Pakistan. The impact on students who have been preparing for their exams for months cannot be ignored. The uncertainty regarding the political situation and tomorrow’s situation has left students questioning how to proceed. The need for political stability to ensure the smooth functioning of the education sector cannot be overstated. It is essential for all stakeholders, including the government, opposition parties, and civil society, to work towards improving the political situation to ensure that students do not suffer the consequences of political instability.