Most schools closed, some go online

Islamabad: Most schools were closed in the federal capital on Friday with some private schools opting for online classes due to road closures following the opposition PTI’s D-Chowk protest announcement in the day despite the government's ban on rallies.

The private schools announced they had shifted classes online to ensure learning continues without disruption. They said regular attendance in online classes was crucial to avoid falling behind in the curriculum and to maintain steady academic progress. The Islamabad Private School Association announced campus closures, citing roadblocks and safety concerns. Its general secretary, Waheed Khan, said that student safety was their top priority.

He noted that students faced significant challenges yesterday due to the containers placed on roads to prevent movement. Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed of the Northern Punjab Private Schools Management Association also declared that schools in the Rawalpindi city would remain closed due to PTI's street protests. He said the decision was taken to ensure that roadblocks do not pose difficulties for students and staff.

In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, major roads were blocked by shipping containers, while security forces were deployed in large numbers to maintain order. The government has already banned the gathering of five or more people by imposing Section 144.