RAWALPINDI: Schools in various parts of Punjab including the provincial capital Lahore and Islamabad closed on Monday due to security concerns, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Army Public School.
Pakistan observes the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar on December 16, in which more than 150 people, of whom at least 134 were students, were killed.
As per notifications of Punjab and Islamabad health authorities, all educational institutions will remain closed in Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi on December 16.
Rawalpindi’s Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqas Cheema issued a notification confirming that all public and private schools and colleges in Rawalpindi will remain closed on Monday.
Islamabad’s district administration also announced the closure of all educational institutions in the federal capital on the same day. Additionally, the Private Schools Association has endorsed the decision, stating that all private schools remain closed.
Moreover, examination papers scheduled for December 16 have also been postponed. The new date will be announced later.
‘Serious Threat’
However, the reason for the holiday has not been officially declared. Punjab Minister for School and Higher Education, Rana Sikandar Hayat, while speaking to Nukta, stated that the holidays have been declared due to a ‘serious threat.’
