The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Education Department has clarified the situation regarding school closures during the ongoing PTI long march, stating that government schools, colleges, and universities across the province are operating normally. However, individual school administrations have been allowed to close for one day at their discretion if road blockades are expected to disrupt students and staff.
The clarification came after several private schools in Peshawar remained closed on Thursday as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march reached the city, raising concerns about road closures and transportation difficulties.
KP School Closures: What Was Announced
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Government institutions | Open as usual (schools, colleges, universities) |
| Private schools | May close for one day at the administration’s discretion |
| Reason | Expected road blockades and traffic disruption due to the PTI long march in Peshawar |
| Province-wide holiday | No general closure order issued |
Why Some Private Schools Closed
Several private educational institutions in Peshawar suspended classes for the day as a precautionary measure to protect students and staff from commuting difficulties caused by the blocked routes. Administrations informed parents about the decision through official WhatsApp groups, explaining that possible road blockades could make travelling to school difficult.
Some parents, however, found out about the closures on Thursday morning when their children returned home after finding the school gates locked, partly because mobile and internet services were disrupted in parts of Peshawar.
What the KP Education Department Said
The KP Education Department said government schools across the province would remain open as usual. It added that any school expecting road blockades to affect students and staff may close for one day at its discretion.
The department did not order a general closure, leaving the decision to individual school managements based on conditions in their areas and the potential impact of road closures on attendance and transport.
Meanwhile, officials of the Private Schools Regulatory Authority (PSRA) said no order for school closure was issued, and that action could be taken against schools that remained closed without government directions.
Background: The PTI Long March
The PTI’s long march, launched on October 4 from Lakki Marwat to demand the release of the party founder, reached Peshawar on Thursday. The march has caused road closures and traffic congestion in parts of the provincial capital, along with a temporary suspension of mobile and internet services in some areas.
What Should Parents Do?
- Check official WhatsApp groups and messages from your child’s school for closure announcements.
- Do not assume a province-wide holiday — government schools, colleges, and universities are open.
- Plan travel routes carefully on days when the march is in your area.
- Contact the school administration directly if you are unsure whether classes are being held.
FAQs About KP School Closures During the Long March
Are schools closed in KP during the long march?
There is no province-wide closure. Government schools, colleges, and universities are open as usual. Some private schools in Peshawar closed for one day at their own discretion.
Can a school decide to close on its own?
Yes. The KP Education Department said individual school administrations may close for one day if they believe road blockades could create difficulties for students and staff.
Why did private schools in Peshawar close?
They closed as a precautionary measure because of expected road blockades and traffic disruption as the PTI long march reached Peshawar.
Did the government order schools to close?
No. The KP Education Department clarified that no general closure order was issued. PSRA officials said action could be taken against schools that closed without government directions.
How were parents informed about the closures?
School administrations sent messages through official WhatsApp groups. Some parents only learned about the closures on Thursday morning when their children returned home.
Will schools reopen normally?
Government institutions are already operating normally. Private schools that closed for the day are expected to resume regular classes once road conditions improve.
Final Thoughts
The KP Education Department’s clarification settles the confusion: there is no blanket school holiday, but schools in affected areas can take a one-day precautionary closure. Parents should stay in touch with their schools for the latest updates.
For more education updates, also read our article on FBISE Extends HSSC Registration Deadline to October 30.