All Pakistan Private Schools Association has announced plans to challenge the decision of Punjab government to declare early summer vacations for schools through a court case.
The association described the move as a serious interference with children’s education and warned it could damage the long-term academic progress of students significantly.
“Closing schools ahead of schedule is tantamount to playing with the future of the children.”
APPSA President Dr Ibrar Hussain warned that the frequent closure of educational institutions could cause a notable rise in the number of out-of-school children across Pakistan.
Dr Hussain also called on the government to permit the reopening of private schools operating within residential areas, stating this was an immediate priority for the association and its members.
The announcement was made following an emergency meeting of the All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association, which was held in the F-8 area of Islamabad on Monday.
Senior members attending the meeting expressed strong reservations about the Punjab government’s recent policy decisions related to school operations and the academic calendar.
The association has not yet confirmed the specific date on which it plans to formally file its legal challenge against the government’s summer vacation decision in court.
Last week, the provincial Education Minister of Punjab Rana Sikandar Hayat had announced that all schools in the province will begin summer vacation on 22 May this year.
According to the details, students across Punjab will remain off school until 23 August, giving them a summer break lasting just over three full months in total.
