The Punjab School Education Department has directed that all public and private schools and academies across Punjab remain closed from March 10 to March 31, warning strict action against institutions that violate the order.
Officials said any private school found open during the closure period will be sealed immediately, while its registration may also be cancelled.
Strict Action Against Violations
Authorities said show-cause notices will be issued to those responsible for violating the directive.
In the case of public schools, the department warned that salaries of headmasters and teachers could be withheld if they fail to comply with the orders.
Daily compliance reports have been sought from education authorities, and eight schools in suburban areas have already been sealed for violating the closure directive.
Admissions System Disrupted
The department has also banned private schools from conducting new admissions, disrupting the regular admission cycle for March.
Normally, public and private schools carry out admissions from March 1 to March 31, when parents enroll children in classes such as nursery, kindergarten, and Grade 1.
However, since the closure order took effect on March 10, the admission process has largely stalled.
Education officials fear admissions this year could decline sharply, with some reports indicating only about 20 percent of admissions compared to last year, representing an 80 percent drop.
Private School Associations Criticise Decision
Leaders of private school associations, including Abrar Ahmed Khan and Irfan Muzaffar Kiani, criticized the government’s decision.
They argued that the education sector has been turned into a “testing ground,” noting that even countries facing war conditions have not completely shut schools.
According to the association leaders, the closures have already disrupted the annual examination system, and now admissions have also been paralyzed.
They demanded the immediate reopening of schools and permission to proceed with admissions and exam results.
Students to Be Promoted Without Failure
Meanwhile, authorities have decided that all students from Grade 1 to Grade 7 in public schools will be promoted without failure.
Promotions are scheduled to take place on March 31, as officials acknowledged that fully transparent annual examinations could not be conducted this year.
Authorities Warn Against Calling Staff
The Rawalpindi District Education Authority warned that some institutions are still calling staff and students despite the closure order.
Officials said this practice violates government directives and challenges the government’s authority.
They also noted that asking teachers to travel unnecessarily amid fuel shortages and rising inflation places an unfair burden on staff, especially those who commute long distances.
Authorities reiterated that any school found operating before March 31 will face strict action, including sealing of premises, cancellation of registration, and disciplinary measures against administrators.
Isn’t this article a bit too early?