KEY POINTS
- Islamabad and Punjab administrations declare Friday and Saturday as holidays for educational institutions
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir shuts all educational institutions for an indefinite period
- International exams, including CAIE A/O Levels, also cancelled
ISLAMABAD: In response to escalating security concerns after Indian drone incursions and growing aggression, authorities closed educational institutions across Pakistan’s federal capital, Islamabad, Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The Islamabad Capital Territory Administration on Thursday issued a notification declaring a two-day closure of all public and private educational institutions in the federal capital.
The closure applies to schools, colleges, and universities on Friday and Saturday.
According to the notification, the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students, staff, and academic personnel amid heightened tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and increased drone activity from across the border.
Separately, the Punjab Education Department also issued a similar directive, declaring Friday and Saturday as holidays for all educational institutions across the province.
The provincial government has urged school administrations to comply strictly with the order and suspend all on-campus academic activities during the designated days.
Amid rising border tensions, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir education authority, through a notification issued on May 8, has declared an indefinite closure of all educational institutions until further notice.
Meanwhile, the Cambridge International Education authorities, following thorough consultations, have opted to cancel all Cambridge O Level, IGCSE, and International AS & A Level examinations scheduled for Friday, May 9, in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Islamabad Capital Territory, and Punjab Province.
This decision affects all assessments on that specific day across both Cambridge Direct and British Council Schools. As for exams slated for Monday, an official update will be provided to schools by the evening of Sunday, May 11.
A senior official from the Islamabad administration stated, “While the general closure aims to protect the academic community amid national security concerns, we are working closely with law enforcement and examination bodies to ensure uninterrupted conduct of international examinations.”
Parents and students have been advised to stay updated through official channels and adhere to any further instructions that may be issued in the coming days.
Authorities have also requested citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading rumours on social media platforms, emphasising that all necessary measures are being taken to maintain peace and security.
The decision comes in the wake of rising cross-border tensions, especially after multiple incidents involving Indian surveillance drones breaching Pakistani airspace—moves that Islamabad has condemned as provocative and dangerous.
The federal and provincial governments are said to be monitoring the situation closely and will reassess the need for further closures or precautions based on evolving security dynamics.
