All provincial ministers have mutually agreed for shutting down all educational institutions from 26th November till the 10th of January 2021 in view of the increasing coronavirus cases across Pakistan.
The decision was taken during the inter-provincial education ministers conference (IPEMC) presided by the Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood where all provincial ministers were present and discussed the closure of schools in view of surging Covid-19 cases.
Addressing the press conference, Minister Shafqat Mahmood said that children’s health and safety is the top-most priority of the government. “We have decided to keep all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities, and tuitions closed. However, online classes will be carried out from November 26 to December 24 after which winter break will start. Schools will reopen on January 11, 2021.”
Punjab Education Minister Murad Raas in the meeting made his point of view that parks, shopping malls, and other recreational places should also be closed after closing down of schools. “As far as closing schools is concerned, all the ministers have mutually agreed but micro-decisions regarding examinations and other matters will be taken by the respective provinces.”
“We have decided to reopen schools from January 11, 20201,” he said.
According to the further decision, the following are the major SOPs to be followed after the closure of all educational institutions,
- Nov 26 — All students to start studying from home
- Dec 24 — Last day of online classes
- Dec 25 to Jan 10, 2021 — Winter holidays
- Jan 11 — Schools to resume activities after reevaluation of the situation in the first week of January
Professional exams including MDCAT 2020 to be held as per schedule
Board exams to be pushed to June.
Dr. Fsaisal Sultan, Special Adviser to Prime Minister on National Health Services, said, “In hostels, only one-third of students would be allowed and other training and courses, which are not in a classroom setting, will continue as is.”
