Students resume educational activities

Islamabad
Students of all educational institutions in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) resumed academic activities on Monday after extended winter vacation with a renewed commitment and enthusiasm to continue their mission of acquiring knowledge whatever the circumstances are.
The winter vacation in all educational institutions were extended by the authorities in federal capital like other parts of the country after the devastating Peshawar incident and now institutions have reopened after adopting security measures.
The educational institutions, which remained closed for almost three weeks due to the security concerns after the Peshawar incident, started their educational activities with prayers for the whole country.
The schools and colleges were directed to adopt sufficient security measures by Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) to ensure proper safety of students, teachers and other staff, saving them from any untoward incident.
The security guards, deputed in the institutions, were given training by police officials to cope with any untoward situation.
The authorities directed to raise the boundary walls of schools and colleges, fixing barb wires over boundary walls, purchase metal detectors to check every person entering into school and college and install close circuit TV cameras where needed.
The security guards were also deputed in the sensitive institutions while the Police would patrol around schools and colleges at opening and closing hours, according to the decision of the authorities.
Shafugta Mahmood, a teacher of a local college, said, "The enthusiasm of the students was worth seeing and they were more energetic to join their studies after long vacation".
"I have not seen any fear in the eyes of the children and they started their day with new pledge to stand against extremist mindset", she said.
A parent of a school going girl, Khakwani Hussain said, "The security arrangements in the schools and colleges are not sufficient and the authorities must ensure proper safety of the children."
"I have not sent my daughter to the school on the reopening day after long vacation, as usually very few students join the schools on the first day,” he added. He said, "The students after long vacation become lethargic and come in routine with the passage of time. They will also take time to get normal after such a horrifying incident at a Peshawar school".