Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood cleared on Monday that no student will be promoted to next class without examinations this year.

Starting Words

“We are taking all possible measures to protect children of educational institutions from the second wave of coronavirus,” he stated while talking to a private television channel.

Decision of Promoting Students Without Exams

Last time, the federal and provincial governments had to take the decision regarding promotion of school children to next grade on the basis of previous academic record, he said and added that this time, participation in exams would be a must.

Reopening Schools and Colleges

About reopening of schools and colleges, he said the decision would be taken after consulting provincial governments as the second wave of coronavirus was still threatening to people’s health.

Taking to Twitter hours after announcing phase-wise reopening of educational institutions from Jan 18, he said: “All Board exams have been postponed to May June. Let me emphasize that this year nobody will be promoted without exams.”

In reply to a question about primary schools, Shafqat Mehmood said the children of low-grade schooling had affected due to closure of institutions. “We are seriously contemplating a plan to reopen schools for children, “he stated.

He said all higher education institutes and universities will reopen on Feb 1. However, he added online classes will start for them on Jan 11. Similarly, all schools will reopen on January 11 for teachers and administrative staff to prepare for arrival of students, the minister said.

About Universities

Moreover, the higher education institutions; universities and colleges will reopen on February 1, Mahmood said. The education minister further said that online classes can resume from January 11.

However, he said, all standard operating procedures (SOPs) would be followed after the opening of educational institutions in the country.

Board Exams will be Postponed

Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Shafqat Mahmood said board exams that were due in March and April will now be held in May and June as the children have not yet completed their courses and need time to prepare.

Let it be known that in the first phase, classes nine to 12 would be allowed to resume from January 18. In the second phase, the minister said, primary to class 8 will resume on January 25.

About Vaccination Criteria and Health

About vaccination criteria, he said health and educational workers would be given priority.
He further stated that a comprehensive strategy would be evolved after detailed consultation with quarters concerned.