In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the city, education authorities have announced early leave for students across government and private schools and universities in Lahore.

According to the Education CEO, all schools have been directed to send children home early, as several major roads in the city have been closed, causing severe traffic congestion and safety concerns.

“Children were given early leave due to road closures,” the CEO confirmed, adding that both public and private institutions were included in the decision.

Parents informed as schools close early

The Education Department said that schools have begun informing parents about the early dismissal to ensure the safe return of students. Authorities are coordinating with school administrations to prevent overcrowding or transport difficulties as parents arrive to pick up their children.

“Parents are being informed about the leave,” said the Education CEO, assuring that all necessary precautions are being taken to avoid inconvenience.

Separately, the Higher Education Department has also ordered the closure of all colleges and universities in Lahore. The Punjab University has issued a notification announcing the closure of the university.

According to the Education Minister’s spokesperson, the university has been evacuated and all classes have been suspended. The spokesperson added that students are being evacuated from the campus as a precautionary measure.

In Lahore, the LLB examinations scheduled for today at Punjab University have been postponed. The new date for the postponed exams will be announced later. However, the examinations scheduled for October 13 will be held as per the original schedule, the spokesperson confirmed.

Moreover, the Orange Line train and Metro bus services in the city have been suspended, causing significant inconvenience for commuters. Several routes have been closed, and operations at the City Terminal, Rahbar Terminal, and other bus stands have also been halted.

The school closure comes as the federal government has ordered the suspension of mobile internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, citing heightened security concerns and ongoing protests by a religious party.

Also Read: Internet, roads closed in Pindi, Islamabad; Section 144 imposed in Punjab

According to an official letter issued by the Interior Ministry to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi approved the decision to suspend mobile internet service in the twin cities. The suspension took effect from Friday night and will remain indefinite until further notice.

Reports indicate that mobile internet service has already been suspended in several areas of Rawalpindi as authorities move to maintain law and order.

Punjab govt imposes Section 144 for 10 days

In a separate development, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province for 10 days, banning the gathering of four or more people in public places, streets, neighbourhoods, and open fields.

According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, the restrictions are aimed at preventing potential unrest and maintaining public safety. The order took immediate effect upon issuance.