Schools on Peshawar Road shift to online classes amid underpass construction
District administration suspends physical classes along the affected corridor as parents question the timing of the decision shortly after schools reopened.
RAWALPINDI: Schools and other educational institutions located along Peshawar Road have been asked to suspend physical classes as work begins on two underpasses estimated to cost Rs8 billion.
The district administration took the decision to minimise traffic disruption along the busy corridor, particularly the stretch between Qasim Market and Rafay Mall, where construction activity is expected to affect the movement of vehicles.
Educational institutions in the affected area have been advised to continue academic activities through online classes or temporarily relocate students to other campuses during the construction period.
The decision was taken at a meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office and attended by Rawalpindi’s Chief Traffic Officer, representatives of the City Police Officer and officials from several educational institutions.
Officials said the presence of a large number of schools, colleges and other educational institutions along the route could worsen congestion, particularly during school opening and closing hours.
Relevant departments have also been directed to cooperate in managing traffic and facilitating commuters while the construction work continues.
Parents Criticise Decision to Suspend Classes
Parents, however, have criticised the decision, saying schools had only recently reopened after the summer vacation.
They said many students would face difficulties attending online classes and questioned why the construction work was not carried out during the three-month summer break.
Parents also pointed out that shops and other commercial businesses in the area remained open despite the restrictions imposed on educational institutions.
Azhar Malik, an owner of Darul Arqam School, said his institution had moved students to its Range Road campus near Marble Factory instead of shifting to online classes.
He said the school had conveyed its concerns to the administration but was told that the closure had been ordered by the Punjab government in view of the construction work.
All Pakistan Private School Management Association North Punjab President Ibrar Ahmed Khan also expressed concern over the impact of the decision on students.
He said keeping schools closed for several months could affect the academic year and deprive students of direct interaction with teachers.
He argued that instead of closing educational institutions, authorities should focus on managing traffic around the construction sites.
The two underpasses are being constructed on Peshawar Road as part of a major infrastructure project intended to improve traffic flow along the busy Rawalpindi corridor.
