Authorities have decided to close 24 government educational institutions in Islamabad from September 22 due to increased security arrangements ahead of planned political marches and protests in the federal capital.
According to sources, classes and other educational activities at these institutions will remain suspended until further notice. The schools are also being used to accommodate additional police personnel who are being deployed in Islamabad for security duties.
The Federal Directorate of Education has not yet announced any policy for online classes or made alternative teaching arrangements for students affected by the closures.
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The decision comes as security preparations in Islamabad have been intensified ahead of demonstrations planned by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Containers have been placed at different locations, while additional security measures are being taken at entry points and major roads across the capital.
According to a news source, the district administration has taken physical control of 24 public educational institutions, including Islamabad Model Schools, Islamabad Model Colleges and boys’ and girls’ institutions, as part of the security preparations.
Earlier reports said that more than 22,000 security personnel are expected to be deployed in Islamabad, with additional forces being brought in from other districts. Arrangements are being made to accommodate police and other security personnel in government buildings, schools and colleges, sports facilities, marriage halls and police stations.
The security measures are connected to several political activities planned in the coming days. Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a long march to Islamabad over the petroleum levy, while PTI has announced a march towards the capital on September 27.
JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has said that the party’s march is expected to reach Islamabad on September 23 and 24. The party is also continuing talks with the government over its demand regarding the petroleum levy.
For students and parents, the immediate effect of the decision is the suspension of physical classes at the affected government institutions. So far, no alternative online education arrangements have been announced.