By: Rashid Mughal
Local residents and Private Schools Union Murree demand closure of all schools on Surasi Road during Urs. The annual Urs of Baba Lal Shah Surasi will begin on June 11th and will continue until June 18th. In a recent meeting, the General Secretary of Anjuman Farogh-e-Taleem Murree, Aneesur Rehman Abbasi, and office-bearers of the Private Schools Union stated that every year during the Urs, private and government schools on Surasi Road and local residents face immense difficulties and problems. During the Urs, the entire area from New Murree Bazar to Surasi Darbar becomes severely congested due to the influx of pilgrims from all over the country.
Among these pilgrims, there are not only devotees of Baba Lal Shah but also individuals involved in social evils, drugs, theft, and other crimes, which not only affect the local environment but also impact the educational and training atmosphere. The presence of these anti-social elements, drug addicts, and immoral individuals severely affects the girls’ schools and female staff. Private schools have already announced holidays during the Urs days, but the Girls High School Surasi, located near the shrine and on the main road, remains open, causing concern for students, parents, female teachers, administration, and local residents.
Many parents avoid sending their daughters to school due to the current situation. The local residents, school heads, educational institutions, Private Schools Union, and Anjuman Farogh-e-Taleem Murree strongly appeal to the higher authorities of the Education Department to issue a formal notification for the closure of all schools on Surasi Road, including Girls High School Surasi, during the Urs (June 11th to 18th). This would prevent any untoward incident and ensure the safety of students, parents, and staff. This proactive measure is essential for the well-being and safety of all concerned and requires immediate and serious attention.”
