The Punjab government has mandated the closure of all educational institutions across the province for the next two days, Friday and Saturday. This decision serves as a precautionary measure in response to the prevailing security situation.
In a statement, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat confirmed that the directive encompasses all public and private sector schools, colleges, and universities throughout the province.
He clarified that this closure is temporary, with academic activities scheduled to resume as per the regular schedule on Monday, May 12.
The directive has been issued with the primary objective of ensuring the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and school staff during the current circumstances.
It is relevant to note that the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) had previously postponed yesterday’s intermediate and matriculation examinations.
Earlier today, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that Pakistan’s armed forces had successfully downed 25 Israeli-made Harop drones that were sent into the country by India since the previous night.
India initiated strikes on Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in the early hours of Wednesday — an assault that Islamabad has condemned as a “blatant act of war.” This escalation of tensions between the nuclear-armed adversaries follows a deadly attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) last month.
Islamabad reported that six Pakistani locations, including mosques and hydropower projects, were targeted in the strikes. Tragically, at least 31 civilians, including children, were martyred, and 57 others sustained injuries in what Pakistan described as an unprovoked and devious attack.
In retaliation, the Pakistan armed forces responded by shooting down five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets and seven drones, as well as destroying a brigade headquarters and numerous checkposts along the Line of Control (LoC).
