PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced the closure of colleges and universities located in the winter zone of the province from August 19 to August 25, given the recent heavy rains, floods and landslides.
An official announcement has been issued by the Higher Education Department in this regard. The announcement said that this decision has been taken keeping in mind the safety of the lives of students, teachers and staff. It has been further said that during this time, universities and colleges have been allowed to adopt the option of online classes to maintain the continuity of the teaching process.
Minister for Higher Education Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Meena Khan Afridi says that a comprehensive strategy is being formulated to continue educational activities in the flood-affected areas and provide relief to students.
“We want students not to face educational disruption and lack of facilities, so online teaching is being provided.” On the other hand, all government and private educational institutions in Malakand district have been closed for a week from today. According to the district administration, this step has been taken as a precautionary measure given possible further rains, landslides and flood risks.
Similarly, all government and private schools in flood-affected areas in the Swat district will also remain closed till August 25. Officials say that a complete review of the situation will be conducted in the affected areas before reopening schools.
The government has appealed to parents not to send their children to educational institutions unnecessarily in view of the current situation and to fully cooperate in online teaching activities. The magnitude of the earthquake was recorded at 5.2, while its epicentre was in the Hindu Kush range.
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