Government schools and colleges in Islamabad have started reopening after nearly three weeks of closure, allowing thousands of students to resume classes. The institutions were closed from September 24 to accommodate police personnel deployed ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest march.
According to an official of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), authorities issued instructions late Sunday night to reopen most of the 38 affected institutions. However, around 10 schools and colleges will remain closed as police personnel continue to occupy their premises.
The late reopening announcement created difficulties for school administrations in informing students and teachers. A school principal said attendance was expected to improve by Tuesday as students adjusted to the updated schedule.
The prolonged closure drew criticism from parents and teachers over the disruption to academic activities. H-9 College was also among the affected institutions, raising concerns that the interruption could affect its recent academic progress after securing a position in the Federal Board examinations for the first time in its history.