Educational institutions in Punjab, Islamabad closed for two days

LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced the closure of all educational institutions, including public and private sector colleges, universities, and medical institutions, on May 9 and 10, in light of the escalating tension between India and Pakistan.

In two separate notifications issued on Thursday, the Higher Education Department and the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department confirmed the suspension of academic activities for two days across the province.

The decision affects general higher education institutions as well as medical universities, nursing colleges, and allied health schools operating under the government’s administrative control.

According to the Higher Education Department, all examinations scheduled for May 9 and 10 by Boards of Intermediate & Secondary Education (BISEs), universities, and colleges stand postponed. A new schedule will be issued in due course. However, exams conducted by international examining bodies will continue as planned.

The medical education wing stated that medical and allied health students, along with teaching faculty, are expected to continue duties in attached hospitals as per their notified rosters. It further clarified that exams on the mentioned dates may also be rescheduled by the respective medical universities, with revised dates to be communicated later.

Besides the Punjab government, District Administration of Islamabad Capital Territory has also ordered the closure of all public and private educational institutions across the capital on May 9 and 10 (Friday and Saturday).

According to an official notification issued on Thursday, the directive applies to schools, colleges, universities, and training institutes operating within Islamabad’s jurisdiction.

However, the order clarified that all internal and external examinations—including international exams—will continue as scheduled on both days and will not be affected by the closure.

The move comes amid heightened tensions in the region, though the notifications did not directly cite security concerns.

The closures apply uniformly across Punjab, and relevant officials including commissioners, vice chancellors, principals, and examination controllers have been directed to ensure compliance.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 will now be played in Karachi due to the ongoing Pakistan-India tensions.

According to PCB, the decision was taken following consultations with key stakeholders.

As part of the shift, today’s scheduled match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi in Rawalpindi has been postponed. A new date for the fixture will be announced later.