Schools, colleges to reopen today

Islamabad:With tensions between India and Pakistan easing following a ceasefire, educational institutions in Islamabad are to reopen today (Monday) to the relief of students, parents and educators.

The capital’s schools, colleges, universities and training centres were closed since Thursday, following a two-day shutdown order issued by the district administration in response to heightened regional tensions and Indian drone strikes in Rawalpindi and other cities.

However, with the ceasefire now in place and no further escalation reported, education officials say the situation is stabilising, so in-person classes will resume on Monday. “We are closely monitoring the situation, but for now, the environment appears conducive to reopening,” an official said.

He said the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan had significantly reduced fears of further conflict, prompting authorities to reconsider the need for extended campus closures.

However, some parents are still cautiously optimistic. “I’m relieved by the ceasefire, but I hope schools will have security protocols in place,” said Jehan Ara Sikandar, a mother of four from G-7/4. “If needed, online learning should remain an option.”

Some institutions had begun preparing for a shift to virtual learning in the event of prolonged closures. However, with physical reopening now likely, those contingency plans will no longer be necessary.

Meanwhile, on the instructions of Chairman Rawalpindi Board of Education, Mr. Muhammad Adnan Khan, and in light of the notification issued by the Government of Punjab, Higher Education Department, the Controller of Examinations, Mr. Tanveer Asghar Awan, informed that the Intermediate First Annual 2025 theory exams and Matric First Annual 2025 practical exams scheduled for May 12, 2025, will be held as per the previously announced date sheet and schedule.

Furthermore, the new dates for the Intermediate First Annual 2025 theory exams and Matric First Annual 2025 practical exams that were postponed on May 7 and 8, 2025, will be announced soon.

All candidates, parents, and teachers are requested to stay updated through the official website of Rawalpindi Board and other authorized sources. For further guidance and information, please contact the Controller of Examinations’ office at 051-5450917.