Morning assemblies banned in schools

The Punjab government has imposed an immediate ban on morning assemblies in all public and private schools following heightened security concerns amid ongoing clashes with Afghanistan.

According to an official circular issued by the Home Department and the School Education Department, schools have been directed to implement urgent security measures as a precautionary step.

Director of Public Instruction (Secondary Education) Qaiser Rashid instructed that all CCTV cameras be made fully functional and that non-development funds be released without delay to address security requirements.

Schools have been ordered to deploy security guards at entrances and surrounding areas, with teachers allowed to assist in security duties if necessary.

Authorities have directed that main gates remain closed during school hours, with only one central gate designated for entry and exit.

The circular mandates strict monitoring of visitors and requires schools to report any suspicious activity immediately. Institutions have also been instructed to conduct emergency drills, inform students about exit points, and carry out mock evacuation exercises.

Installation of eight-foot boundary walls topped with barbed wire, CCTV cameras, metal detectors and panic buttons has been made compulsory.

Additionally, schools have been directed to safeguard water storage facilities and follow standard operating procedures in case of emergencies. Officials warned that strict action would be taken against institutions failing to comply.