The Government of Pakistan has announced that all educational institutions in Pakistan will open from 15 September in a phased manner, Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood announced on Monday, nearly six months after the coronavirus pandemic sent students home.

Highlights:

• Universities, colleges and classes nine - twelve to resume on 15 September
• Classes six - eight to return on 23 September after a review
• Primary schools to reopen on 30 September in last phase
• Number of students in classes to be halved

The Federal Minister of Education addressed a press conference on Monday after the meeting of the Inter-Provincial Education Ministers Conference (IPEMC) and explained the decisions, which were taken in consultation with Ministry of Health, National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) for Covid-19. 

He said the NCOC carried out research and a "wide consultative process" was started involving expert panels and think tanks, in which the government looked at international and regional trends before reaching the decision. "This is a huge decision," the minister said, thanking parents and students. "They were difficult times but everybody was patient." 

However, Mehmood cautioned that the government will be forced to "take action" whenever it is felt that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are not being followed at an educational institution. He sought the cooperation of parents, teachers and administrations. "Everyone has to play their part and only then we can achieve success," he added.

The minister said some related matters, including a change in the schedule for exams and coursework, will be decided as things move forward.

The Covid-19 situation in Pakistan has improved considerably; current active Covid-19 cases across the country are around 6,000 only and over 98 per cent of patients have recovered. The lockdown was lifted in early August, and all sectors such as industry, tourism, restaurants and gyms were opened with the exception of education. The Provincial Education and Health Departments also aim to carry out random tests on students and teachers daily to monitor the situation.