Educational institutions close today amid protests

KARACHI: Most of the educational institutions across the country have been closed on Friday (today), in the wake of the protests that broke out countrywide after acquittal of Asia Bibi amid efforts by the government to defuse the situation.

Educational institutes are closed today in the federal capital, Islamabad, as part of the security measures by keeping the current situation in view. Government and privately run schools are closed in Karachi today, after announcement of Sindh’s Education Minister Sardar Shah.

In Punjab, public and privately managed schools, universities and colleges to remain closed today, according to a notification issued by the provincial government.

The government of Balochistan also decided to keep all private and public schools and colleges across the province closed today.

Meanwhile, KP Adviser Education Ziaullah Bangash said that all government schools will remain open today and studies will resume. However, private schools’ association had announced that schools being operated under their banner will remain closed today.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry in his statement issued on early Friday, says patience shown by the government should not be misconstrued as its weakness, the law and order situation across the country is in control.

In an important move, the federal government on Thursday(Nov 1) decided to deal with the crisis, arising out of Asia Bibi’s acquittal in blasphemy case, in a peaceful manner.

PM Khan also formed a committee comprising state minister for interior, information minister and foreign minister to look into the matter and devise a strategy to defuse the ongoing political tension.

During his address to the nation a day ago (Oct 31), PM Khan had said the Supreme Court’s decision in Asia Bibi case was in line with the Constitution.