ISLAMABAD – Several government schools in Islamabad will remain closed on September 22 as authorities step up security arrangements ahead of expected protests in the federal capital, according to officials and local reports.
School administrations have informed parents about the closure. Police personnel are also being accommodated at some government schools as authorities prepare for possible protest activity.
The security measures come ahead of a planned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) march towards Islamabad on September 27. The party has maintained its plan to hold the march, while authorities have been preparing measures to manage movement and maintain law and order.
Which Islamabad Schools Will Remain Closed?
According to reports, police personnel will be accommodated at schools in Sector G-7 and Sitara Market.
A government school in Sector F-7/3 has also been declared closed, while other affected schools have informed parents about the holiday.
The available information indicates that the closure applies to several government schools rather than all educational institutions across Islamabad.
Islamabad Red Zone Sealed
Meanwhile, authorities have intensified security arrangements around the federal capital.
The extended Red Zone has been sealed, with officials planning to close routes leading towards the high-security area. Two layers of containers are being placed along the routes, while additional police personnel have been deployed.
Authorities have also prepared additional barriers at several locations across Islamabad.
Empty containers are reportedly being filled with bags of soil to strengthen the barriers and restrict movement if required. Officials have also planned trenches on major roads as part of the security arrangements.
Security Personnel Deployed In Capital
The security plan extends beyond the Red Zone.
According to The Express Tribune, more than 22,000 personnel are expected to be deployed in Islamabad, while additional forces are being arranged in Rawalpindi and Attock. Police leave has also been restricted as authorities prepare for the upcoming demonstrations.
Authorities have surveyed public buildings, schools and other facilities that could accommodate additional security personnel.
The measures are being implemented ahead of several planned political activities in the Islamabad-Rawalpindi area.
September 27 PTI March
The latest preparations are also linked to the PTI’s announced September 27 march towards Islamabad.
The Islamabad High Court recently issued an order concerning the planned demonstration. The court said political parties cannot block public roads, highways or government buildings, while also directing authorities to follow the law in dealing with the protest.
The federal government has separately announced plans to prevent disruption of public roads and government areas during the march.
PTI has continued to maintain its plan for the September 27 demonstration.
Traffic Disruptions Expected
With containers being positioned at major routes and additional security personnel deployed, movement around Islamabad and Rawalpindi could face restrictions.
Authorities have identified several important entry points and routes for possible security measures. Preparations have included containers, barricades and trenches intended to restrict access to sensitive areas.
Residents have also faced traffic disruptions in areas where roads have already been restricted.
For parents and students, the immediate impact is the closure of several government schools on September 22.
Authorities have not indicated that every school in Islamabad will be closed. The reported decision currently concerns specific government schools being affected by the security arrangements.
Situation Remains Under Review
The Islamabad schools closed tomorrow decision comes as the administration prepares for possible protests and increased movement towards the capital.
The Red Zone remains under heightened security, while authorities continue installing barriers and deploying personnel.
Further decisions regarding school closures, traffic restrictions and security arrangements could depend on developments ahead of the planned September 27 march.
Key Points :
- Several government schools in Islamabad will remain closed on September 22.
- School administrations have informed parents about the holiday.
- Police personnel will be accommodated at some schools.
- Schools in G-7, Sitara Market and F-7/3 have been mentioned in reports.
- Islamabad’s extended Red Zone has been sealed.
- Containers and soil-filled barriers are being installed at key routes.
- Authorities are also preparing trenches on major roads.
- Additional security personnel are being deployed in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Attock.
- The measures come ahead of the planned September 27 PTI march.
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