ISLAMABAD: Schools nationwide will remain closed for the entire next week in observance of Kashmir Day and the upcoming general elections in 2024.
Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the federal directorate of education have jointly announced the closure of schools from February 3 to February 11.
A statement from the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training clarified, “In light of the upcoming general elections in Pakistan scheduled for February 8, 2024, public holidays have been declared from February 6 to 9.” Educational institutions in the federal capital are expected to reopen on February 10 (Saturday).
Despite the official announcement, both public and private schools will effectively be closed from February 3 to 11, considering the usual weekend breaks. Furthermore, the federal government has declared February 5 (Monday) a public holiday for “Kashmir Solidarity Day,” leading to the closure of educational facilities from February 6 to 9 in conjunction with the general elections.
Following this 9-day break, schools are scheduled to resume on February 12 (Monday).
PUNJAB:
The Punjab government has decided to keep schools, colleges, and universities across the province closed from February 6 to 9, aligning with the general elections slated for February 8. This decision applies to both public and private educational institutions.
SINDH:
The Sindh Education Department has also announced the closure of all public and private educational institutions in the province from February 6 to 9 due to the forthcoming nationwide polls on February 8. This closure period extends from February 5 to 9, considering the public holiday on February 5 for Kashmir Day.
KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA:
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has similarly decided to close educational institutes across the province from February 6 to 9 in light of the upcoming general elections. A notification has been issued, specifying the closure of all public and private schools, colleges, and universities during this period.
With over 128 million voters, Pakistan is gearing up for crucial elections this time, given the country’s political and economic instability. The polls are scheduled for February 8, with heightened security measures and the deployment of law enforcement to ensure law and order nationwide.
