The Punjab School Education Department has issued strict directives requiring all public and private schools to remain closed from March 10 to March 31. Authorities warned that any institution violating the closure order will face immediate action.
Officials clarified that private schools found open during the closure period will be sealed, and their registrations may be cancelled. Similarly, public school staff, including headmasters and teachers, could face salary withholdings for non-compliance. Daily compliance reports are being collected from district education authorities to ensure full enforcement.
Eight private schools in suburban areas have already been sealed for breaching the closure directive. Officials emphasized that strict measures, including show-cause notices and disciplinary action, will be taken against administrators who fail to follow the order.
Admission Cycle Disrupted
The closure has significantly disrupted the annual admissions process in Punjab. Private schools were prohibited from enrolling new students, halting the usual March admission period for nursery, kindergarten, and Grade 1.
Education authorities reported that admissions have declined sharply this year. Preliminary estimates suggest only about 20 percent of expected admissions have been completed, representing an 80 percent drop compared to last year. This disruption has raised concerns over long-term impacts on student intake and school operations.
Private School Associations Express Concerns
Leaders of private school associations have criticized the closure, arguing that the education sector has been unnecessarily restricted. They claimed that even countries facing extreme conditions do not impose such sweeping shutdowns.
Association leaders, including Abrar Ahmed Khan and Irfan Muzaffar Kiani, noted that school closures have disrupted examinations and now stalled admissions. They demanded that schools be allowed to reopen and continue enrollment and exam processes without delay.
Student Promotions and Examination Adjustments
In response to the closure, authorities have announced that all students from Grade 1 to Grade 7 in public schools will be promoted without failure. The promotion schedule is set for March 31, acknowledging that fully transparent annual examinations could not be conducted this year.
Strict Enforcement Against Defiance
The Rawalpindi District Education Authority has warned that some institutions continue calling staff and students despite the closure order. Officials stressed that this violates government directives and imposes unnecessary burdens on teachers, particularly those traveling long distances amid fuel shortages and rising inflation.
Authorities reiterated that any school operating before March 31 will face strict consequences, including sealing of premises, cancellation of registration, and disciplinary action against administrators. They urged all institutions to comply fully to ensure safety, fairness, and proper governance during the closure period.
