The National Command and Operation Center called a meeting earlier today in Islamabad to discuss the closing of schools in Punjab. The meeting which took place at the NCOC headquarters was attended by provincial education ministers, including ministers from AJK and GB. Federal Minister for Education and Professional Trainings, Shafqat Mehmood, presided the meeting.
Important meeting at the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) today to review the health situation and take decisions regarding educational institutions. Participated in by Ministers from all the provinces, AJK and GB. Following decisions arrived at. 1/2
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) March 10, 2021
It has been decided that all schools, colleges, and universities in Faisalabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Gujarat, and Sialkot will be closed from Monday till 28th March.
The rising cases of Covid-19 have sparked concern as doctors have called it the third wave of the virus. For the safety of the population, all schools, colleges, and universities will remain closed in the mentioned cities.
Read more: Coronavirus Fear: Is School Closure the only Solution?
Shafqat Mehmood stated that all educational institutes in the Capital territory will close from March 15. The decision regarding Muzaffarabad will be taken by the AJK Government and as for Sindh and Balochistan, schools will resume operation by implementing the alternative day policy i.e. 50% attendance.
2/2 Educational Institutions in Sindh and Baluchistan would continue with 50% attendance every day. In Punjab spring break will start from Monday March 15 to March 28 in the following cities and all education institutions: Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Multan, 3/3
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) March 10, 2021
This decision regarding the closure of schools has come just days after the government announced they were going back to regular 5-6 days a week classes from the first of this month, however, the surge in Corona cases has once again mandated the closure of schools.
Read more: Pakistan to shut schools as COVID-19 cases spike
The education minister, however, clarified that O level, A level and other exams will be held as per schedule in Pakistan under strict SOPs.
All send ups and exams being currently conducted will continue under proper SOPs
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) March 10, 2021
“Our children are giving [inter and matric] exams in Pakistani boards hence the same [rule] will also apply for children giving exams for other boards,” he said, referring to O level and A level students.
Dr Faisal Sultan, who also attended the NCOC meeting, stated that the meeting has decided to continue the ban on the activities at indoor venues, i.e. wedding, dining, till April 15th due to the rising number of Covid cases.
Strict SOPs will be followed as the Government reviews the situation.
3/3 Faisalabad and Gujrat. In Capital territory all educational institutions will also close from March 15. In KP they will close in Peshawar. Decision regarding Muzzafarabad will be taken by AJK Government. We will continue to review the situation
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) March 10, 2021