RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD — The countdown to September 27 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) march triggered sweeping security preparations across the twin cities, but Rawalpindi authorities have now ruled out closing educational institutions after police withdrew their request to use schools for accommodating additional personnel.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner said no educational institution in the district would be closed, adding that alternative buildings were being arranged to house police personnel deployed for security duties.
Police had earlier approached the district administration seeking the use of selected educational institutions to accommodate additional forces being brought in for security arrangements. The request was subsequently withdrawn after alternative accommodation arrangements became available.
The development comes as authorities prepare for increased political activity around the September 27 PTI march, with additional security personnel being mobilised in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Different Situation in Islamabad
Across the capital, however, the situation is markedly different. Several government educational institutions in Islamabad have been closed or placed under administrative control as authorities ramp up preparations for a series of planned protests and marches.
Reports said police personnel would be accommodated at schools in areas including G-7 and Sitara Market, while a government institution in F-7/3 has also been affected.
Islamabad administration has also taken control of 24 public schools as part of its wider security arrangements. Principals and non-teaching staff are expected to continue reporting for duty, while students and teachers remain away from the campuses under the temporary arrangements.
Where possible, academic activities are expected to continue through online classes, with assignments and lectures shared through digital channels.
Security measures have also intensified across Islamabad, with authorities sealing the Red Zone and preparing additional barriers at key routes. Officials have also decided to dig trenches along major roads to restrict protesters travelling from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from entering the capital. Containers are being positioned at several strategic points and used as temporary barricades.
The security buildup comes amid preparations for the September 27 PTI march, alongside other planned demonstrations in the capital.
Federal authorities have said extensive security arrangements are being put in place, with additional police and other security personnel being deployed around Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The reopening schedule varies according to the institution and the security arrangements in place. While some reports initially indicated a one-day closure, later reports said a number of schools being used for security purposes could remain closed indefinitely until the situation permits their return to normal educational activity.
For schools temporarily closed only for Monday, September 21, reopening would be expected on Tuesday unless authorities issue a further notification.
For Rawalpindi, meanwhile, the district administration has maintained that educational institutions will not be shut because of the police accommodation issue.
