RAWALPINDI: Women wing of All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association (APPCMA) Rawalpindi chapter held a protest in front of Rawalpindi Press Club against the impending closure of educational institutions.

More than 100 school teachers participated in protest, which was led by their Rawalpindi district president Sakina Taj.

The participants were carrying placards and banners inscribed with slogans against the government’s proposed closure of schools due to surge in Covid-19 cases, claiming that the schools had adopted all safety measures.

Speaking on the occasion, Sakina Taj said they could not afford further closure of educational institutions.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan should take notice and prevent the closure of educational institutions,” she said.

She said that political gatherings, processions and meetings should be cancelled and restaurants and parks should be closed. She said that children were safer in educational institutions than on the streets and parks.

“The government should not suspend educational activities and smart lockdown,” she added.

Ms Taj said they had come today to ask the government to keep the schools open for the sake of new generation’s education.

“In last six months’ closure, teachers stayed at home and children spent the time without education,” she said.

She said that today they were out for education not for their issues. “We have come out to secure the future of children. Please do not play with their future and give them their due. Don’t close the doors of education for them in the name of coronavirus,” she said.

Published in Dawn, November 22nd, 2020