All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association (APPSMA) has pleaded with the authorities to reopen private schools of Rawalpindi Division, as the closure of private schools has affected students’ education, resulting in unnecessary learning losses.
The association has asked the commissioner Rawalpindi and the deputy commissioners to use their powers given under Section 12-D of the Punjab Private Educational Institutions Act to allow private schools to resume their academic activities.
APPSMA leaders also highlighted that federal schools in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have already reopened while the schools under the government of Punjab are still shut. The difference has put an unequal footing on students learning within the same cities, they said.
The association also voiced concern about the increasing trend of giving holidays in schools of Punjab, as they had around 120 teaching days in the last academic session. It urged that additional closures could exacerbate the loss of classroom learning.
APPSMA argued that rather than giving extra holidays, state officials need to make up for these missed school days through additional instructional time.
The association also raised queries about the province-wide policy of school closure, saying there are huge differences between the weather conditions in Rawalpindi and the southern part of Punjab. It appealed to the government to show a localised approach and evaluate the situation in each and every district before taking the decision for school closure.
APPSMA also urged the private schools to resume their operations prior to August 14, noting that the schools could play a role in fostering patriotism and national unity among students.
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