Educational Institutions
All educational institutions in Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi will remain closed on December 16, as announced by the district administrations on Sunday.
While the government did not provide a specific reason for this closure, reports suggest that the decision was made in remembrance of the tragic Army Public School (APS) attack, which took place on December 16, 2014.
In that horrific attack, over 130 schoolchildren were killed by militants from the banned terrorist organization, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The district administrations of Rawalpindi and Lahore issued a notification confirming that both public and private schools, as well as colleges, would observe a holiday on December 16, in honor of the victims of the APS attack.
Although the official announcement did not clarify the reason behind the closure, it is widely believed that the observance is to pay tribute to the innocent lives lost in the terrorist attack.
On the same day, special prayers and Quran Khawani (recitation of the Quran) will be held for the martyred students and teachers of APS.
These prayers and ceremonies will be conducted in schools and institutions across the country, as a mark of respect and to commemorate the sacrifices made by the victims.
Additionally, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Education Department has organized special functions and events to mark the 10th anniversary of the APS attack.
In an act of recognition for his efforts in youth advocacy, Ahmed Nawaz, a survivor of the APS attack, was awarded the British Empire Medal by King Charles III in September, in acknowledgment of his exceptional services to youth worldwide.
Nawaz has become an inspirational figure, particularly for those affected by the attack, as he continues to raise awareness about the importance of youth education and empowerment.
In a related development, the Sindh government has also declared public holidays on December 25 and 26, in observance of Quaid-i-Azam Day and Christmas, specifically for the Christian community.
The holidays will be observed in all offices, autonomous bodies, semi-autonomous bodies, corporations, and local councils under the control of the provincial government, with the exception of those providing essential services.
