Authorities have decided to temporarily close 24 government educational institutions in Islamabad from September 22 as part of security arrangements ahead of planned political marches and protests in the federal capital.
According to education department sources, the selected schools and colleges will be used to accommodate additional police personnel being deployed for security and law-and-order duties. Teaching activities at the affected institutions will remain suspended during the temporary closure.
Principals and non-teaching staff at the affected institutions are expected to continue reporting for duty, while students and teachers will stay away from the campuses, according to reports. The Federal Directorate of Education has not announced any policy regarding online classes or alternative arrangements for students at the affected institutions.
The institutions affected by the arrangement are located in several areas of Islamabad, including G-6, F-6, F-7, G-7, G-8, G-9, G-10, G-13 and I-9, as well as selected areas such as Tarnol, Sihala, Bari Imam, Malpur, Rawal Dam and H-9. Other educational institutions in the capital are expected to remain open.
Security Arrangements Intensified
The temporary closure comes as authorities increase security preparations in Islamabad ahead of planned political demonstrations and marches. Containers have been placed at several locations, while additional security personnel are being brought into the capital for deployment.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a march towards Islamabad for September 27, while Jamaat-e-Islami has also announced a march in the capital. Other protests have also been planned in and around the federal capital.
The closure is therefore limited to the 24 identified government educational institutions and does not amount to a citywide shutdown of schools and colleges. Parents and students should check the status of their respective institution for any further instructions.