All public and private schools in Punjab and Islamabad to remain closed on 16 December

All public and private schools of Punjab and Islamabad Capital Territory will remain closed on Monday, 16 December 2024, on account of “security concerns,” following notifications issued by the government. The closure falls on the somber day that marks the 10th anniversary of the APS attack – an event that shocked Pakistan on 16 December in 2014.

Punjab’s School Education Department issued the order on Sunday, citing the “prevailing situation.” Schools will be closed in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad, while offices will function normally. Exams scheduled for December 16 in Rawalpindi have also been put off.

The APS attack is known to be the deadliest terror attack in Pakistan’s history as it witnessed militants storm the Army Public School in Peshawar, killing 141 people, out of whom 131 were children. Each year, 16 December is remembered in Pakistan for this heinous act that continues to remain a painful chapter in the country’s collective memory.

Parents Express Concerns Regarding School Shutdowns

Parents and educators have criticized the frequent closure of schools in recent months, claiming it disrupts learning and burdens families. Muhammad Riaz, a father in Rawalpindi, expressed frustration, stating, “My son’s exams are being affected, and it’s hard to make up for lost time.”

Another parent, Muhammad Afzal, mentioned the financial burden that holidays create, as parents resort to private tuition to bring students up to speed. “Children enjoy the holidays, but parents are worried about studies,” he said.

School administrators have echoed these sentiments. A Rawalpindi school principal explained that the holidays have compressed teaching time and that it is difficult to finish syllabi. “These closures are at a critical juncture when students should be preparing for exams. December is a very crucial period for schools,” said Dr. Malik Abrar, president of the All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association.

Frequent disturbances, including smog holidays, have also stretched education in Punjab. Last month, schools had to be closed because of hazardous pollution in Lahore; the air quality was deemed “hazardous” by IQAir.

Although December 16 will remain a poignant day of remembrance, the education sector continues to face balancing safety with academic stability.