ISLAMABAD: Private schools and colleges associations have ruled out possible closure of educational institutes, and warned the government that any emotional decision to close educational institutes across the country under the "guise" of corona pandemic could prove dangerous for the country's education sector.

The All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association held a review meeting regarding corona SOPs at its head office, which was chaired by Central President Malik Abrar Hussain. The meeting was attended by the central leaders of the association, academics, parents' representatives directly, while the central officials of other provincial organisations participated through video links.

The association rejected rumours of closure of educational institutes under the "guise" of corona pandemic. In the second wave of corona, international organisations have suggested continuing educational activities, said Hussain.

The association paid tributes to the concerned associations and school owners for ensuring implementation of government SOPs introduced in private educational institutes across the country to prevent corona. Steps should be taken to prevent the outbreak of the corona epidemic, he said, adding that the decision to keep schools open during the second wave of corona around the world was welcomed.

Hafiz Mohammad Basharat, central president of the Private Educational Society, has warned the government that any emotional decision to close educational institutes across the country under the "guise" of corona epidemic could prove dangerous for the country's education. It will make thousands of teachers unemployed, and the educational future of millions of students will be bleak.

Malik Imran, chairman of the Association of Private Schools (NAPS), said that the number of SOPs in educational institutions was higher than the number of SOPs in markets and other crowded places. The educational institutions have strictly implemented social distancing SOPs by dividing students into two groups.

While private educational institutions suffered a severe financial crisis in the last lockdown, they took into account all government decisions, including reduction in fees, taking into account the educational loss of children. Malik Imran said that the implementation of SOPs should be compared at the Inter Ministerial Conference of Education Ministers on November 16 that what is the rate of implementation in educational institutions and other sectors?

National Association of Private Schools urges NCOC officials, including Prime Minister Imran Khan and Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood, to immediately refute rumors of closure of educational institutes so that the students could focus on education.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020