ISLAMABAD: All public and private schools and colleges in Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi will remain closed on December 16 (Monday), as per notifications issued by the respective Deputy Commissioners. However, universities will remain open.
While no official reason was mentioned in the notifications, media reports suggest the holiday was announced in commemoration of the martyrs of the tragic Army Public School (APS) Peshawar attack on December 16, 2014.
The terrorist attack claimed the lives of over 140 students and teachers, marking one of the darkest days in Pakistan’s history.
Deputy Commissioners Issue Notifications
The Deputy Commissioners of Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi issued separate notifications confirming the closure.
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon announced the closure of schools and colleges within the Islamabad Capital Territory.
While Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema declared the holiday for all public and private schools and colleges in the territorial jurisdiction of Rawalpindi district on December 16.
Similarly, Lahore’s Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza confirmed that both public and private schools and colleges in Lahore would also observe the holiday.
The notifications, issued on December 15, applied to all educational institutions except universities.
However, the official statements did not mention the reason behind the decision.
However, according to media reports, the decision was taken in memory of the victims of the APS attack.
On December 16, 2014, terrorists attacked the Army Public School in Peshawar that shook the nation. Following the tragedy, the government implemented the National Action Plan (NAP), a comprehensive strategy aimed at eradicating terrorism and ensuring national security.
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