Punjab schools set to reopen tomorrow

LAHORE: The provincial government of Punjab has announced that all schools across the province will reopen tomorrow, May 12, after the temporary suspension of educational activities due to escalating tensions with India.

An official notification has been issued to resume regular academic schedules in government and private educational institutions.

The closure, which affected schools on May 9 and 10, was imposed in response to a sudden escalation in hostilities when Indian forces launched an unprovoked overnight strike on May 6-7. The attack targeted urban areas of Azad Kashmir, including Kotli, Muzaffarabad and Bagh, as well as locations in Punjab such as Muridke and Ahmedpur East. These attacks resulted in the martyrdom of 31 Pakistani civilians, including two children, and injuries to 51. Two mosques were also destroyed during the attack.

In retaliation, Pakistan retaliated decisively in the early hours of May 10 with a counter-offensive codenamed Operation Banyan Mars (Iron Wall). The Pakistan Air Force successfully targeted and destroyed several Indian aircraft, including three Rafales, a MiG-29, an Su-30, and a combat drone. Dealing a significant blow to India’s military infrastructure, over 10 strategic targets were hit, including the destruction of the Indian S-400 air defense system and damage to the Adampur and Udhampur airfields.

Following the counter-attacks and the resulting reduction in hostilities, the Punjab government has deemed it safe to resume educational activities. The notification said that all schools will function as per the normal schedule from tomorrow.

Authorities have assured parents and students that security protocols are being further strengthened to ensure a safe learning environment across the province.