Islamabad News Desk: In light of a potential political protest planned by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad, all private schools in Islamabad and Rawalpindi will remain closed tomorrow. The decision comes after concerns were raised over the safety of students and possible disruptions caused by the protest.
The All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association of Northern Punjab announced the closure of schools in Rawalpindi, while the Islamabad Private School Association has declared similar measures for schools in the capital. The associations highlighted the importance of safeguarding students amidst expected road blockages and heightened political activity.
Concerns Over Road Blockages and Student Safety
Abrar Ahmed Khan, President of the Rawalpindi Schools Association, explained that road closures due to containers being set up in anticipation of the protest could pose challenges for students trying to get to school.
“Our priority is to ensure that students are not put at risk during the protest and its aftermath,” said Abrar Khan. He stressed that student safety is paramount, and the closure is a precautionary measure.
Similarly, Waheed Khan, General Secretary of the Islamabad Private School Association, echoed these concerns, saying that while they were in contact with local authorities, the lack of communication during the afternoon left them with no choice but to close schools for the day.
“Our priority is to keep students safe, and we do not want them to face unnecessary hardship due to road closures,” Waheed Khan stated. Many students had already experienced difficulties reaching schools today due to the containers blocking main roads.
Authorities on Alert for Further Actions
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and more closures or measures may follow depending on the developments during the protest. The associations have made it clear that further actions will be taken if the safety of students continues to be threatened.
The proactive closures are aimed at minimizing the inconvenience to families and ensuring that children stay out of potential harm’s way during what could be a day of significant political activity and disruption in the region.
Parents are advised to stay updated on any further announcements from school authorities and local officials as the situation unfolds.