Private schools in Islamabad shut tomorrow amid PTI protest at D-Chowk

ISLAMABAD: The All-Pakistan Private School Association has announced that private schools in Islamabad will remain closed on Friday (tomorrow) in view of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in the federal capital.

All-Pakistan Private School Association General Secretary Waheed Khan said that “The safety of children is our first priority and we cannot take risk by sending them to schools.”

He added that even on Thursday, school children had to face difficulties in reaching schools due to containers placed on roads.

No official notification has been issued in this regard, however.

None of the private schools have officially issued instructions to children regarding the closure of schools except for Headstar School, which said in internal memo that its Gulmohar Campus will shut on Friday.

Roots Millennium Schools said late night that “Due to the prevailing situation in the twin cities, Roots Millennium and Future World Schools and Colleges will remain closed on Friday, 04 October 2024. However, we will resume normal operations on Monday, 07 October 2024, as per the regular school schedule. The safety and well-being of our learners, staff, and community remain our top priority.”

Supernowa, Beaconhouse School System, City Schools and other major private schools have not issued any instructions to children till the filing of this report.

Meanwhile, 4,000 police personnel have been deployed to maintain peace and order in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Police have been stationed at all entry and exit points as well as on main highways.

Islamabad police on Thursday arrested 412 workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) who were preparing to participate in the planned protest at D-Chowk, Islamabad, on Friday.

According to sources, the Islamabad police launched a crackdown on PTI workers ahead of the protest planned for Friday.

Police sources said that 412 workers were taken into custody, and weapons, including nail-studded sticks, slingshots, and stones, were seized from them.

The detainees were rounded up from various areas including Bhara Kahu, Tarnol and Sangjani.

Security has been beefed up in the federal capital with the deployment of Rangers and police personnel in the Red Zone and other areas.

The Islamabad and Rawalpindi administrations have placed containers and barricades at key entry points to prevent PTI workers from reaching D-Chowk.

The protest, called by PTI founder Imran Khan in support of judiciary, has been scheduled for October 4 at D-Chowk.

Rawat T Chowk, located at the confluence of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, along with Khanna Pul on Islamabad Expressway, Shakrial, Gulzar-e-Quaid at Koral, and Sadiqabad Road leading to Faizabad Interchange, have been sealed using containers and barriers from Thursday night. Other key points such as Pandora Chongi, Katarian, Khayaban-e-Sir Syed Chowk, Chak Madad, Dhok Hasu, Pirwadhai Mor, Taxila, and 26 No Chungi on Peshawar Road have also been blocked as part of the security measures.