Pindi Police Seeks Closure of 48 Schools Amid Long March Security

News Desk
RAWALPINDI: In a bid to maintain law and order and tighten security during upcoming political long marches, the Rawalpindi police have formally contacted the district administration to shut down 48 educational institutions located across sensitive areas of the garrison city.
The emergency measure comes as political tensions escalate with calls for demonstrations by opposition parties, prompting law enforcement agencies to adopt stringent preventive protocols across the twin cities.
According to security blueprints shared with local authorities, the targeted schools and colleges fall directly along potential routes and sensitive zones earmarked for the protests.
Police officials argue that suspending academic activities is imperative to protect students and staff from potential disruptions, traffic gridlocks, and localized clashes. Security forces are currently reviewing comprehensive deployment plans to secure major entry and exit points in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The proposed closures highlight the growing friction between the government and opposition groups, particularly Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami, whose planned demonstrations frequently paralyze urban centers.
Beyond immediate security concerns, prolonged disruptions to academic schedules severely impact students preparing for terminal examinations, drawing criticism from parent associations and civil society groups who demand alternative routes for political assemblies without compromising education.
District administration officials are expected to review the police requisition in an emergency coordination meeting later today to finalize notification timelines.
Educational boards and institution heads have been placed on high alert, while law enforcement agencies continue assessing threat levels to determine whether additional institutions will be incorporated into the lockdown perimeter as the protest dates draw closer.