Schools across Islamabad will open normally tomorrow, September 25 (Pakistan Standard Time), but administrators are watching PTI’s planned protest carefully. The call for a major march this Friday by a major political party on September 27 has already sparked worry among parents and school officials. While the Private Schools Association hasn’t confirmed closures for tomorrow, expect an official announcement by Wednesday evening about Friday’s status.
History offers clear guidance. When PTI protests occurred in 2022 and 2024, both government and private schools shut down without exception. The Private Schools Association consistently prioritizes student safety above everything else. Blocked roads create serious hazards for children commuting to school, and consequently, closure announcements typically come just one day before major demonstrations.
Government officials are already gearing up for potential disruptions. The Islamabad High Court recently formed a larger bench to examine whether the protest should proceed. Petitioner Waqas Ahmed highlighted legitimate security concerns and economic losses from previous demonstrations. He pointed out that past PTI protests cost Islamabad approximately two hundred forty million rupees in damages alone. Three Rangers also died during the May 9 incidents, adding weight to safety concerns.
This backdrop shapes how authorities are preparing for September 27. Government agencies could impose Section 144, which restricts public gatherings in affected areas. Past protests brought four thousand police officers into the streets, and both Metro Bus services and Motorways M1 and M2 shut down completely. These closures force drivers onto congested alternate routes.
The Private Schools Association General Secretary raised important safety points this week. Wahid Khan noted that road closures already disrupted schools, and he criticized slow government communication during previous protest preparations. Schools simply cannot operate when containers block major streets, so closure becomes necessary rather than optional.
Government schools still await official orders from the Deputy Commissioner. Interior Ministry directives typically arrive by Wednesday afternoon, and given that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi publicly announced the protest call, significant provincial PTI participation is expected. Traffic disruptions will certainly spread into Rawalpindi as well.
Parents should watch for announcements Wednesday evening. The Private Schools Association website will post closure notices, and the Deputy Commissioner’s office releases directives through media channels regularly. Schools will notify parents via WhatsApp and SMS, so prepare your children for a possible extended weekend.
