Shafqat Mahmood says reopening of schools depend upon the coronavirus situation

Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood said on Wednesday that the government is mindful of the widespread of coronavirus situation in the country and would only decide to reopen educational institutions after carefully evaluating the situation.

The minister, after a meeting with health and National Command and Operation Authority had decided last week that the schools and other educational institutions will remain closed in Punjab, KP, and Islamabad’s hotspots till April 11.

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While speaking at a local news channel, the minister said, "We are under immense pressure from all fronts ... private schools associations want us to reopen the schools, and parents are concerned about their children's health."

Earlier, the minister had also expressed that the closing of schools was a "tough decision to make," as education as the country’s education and academic system has suffered the most — especially school children.

However, he said that despite the loss that the students have faced “the health of students is our top priority.”

The minister also assured that if the pandemic situation worsens in the country, the government will have to enforce a lockdown.

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"However, the prime minister is of the view that the wealthy will not suffer, however, poor people will face a setback if we impose a complete lockdown," he said.

On the other hand, the suggestion of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to impose a two-week complete lockdown will also be considered in the NCOC, he said.