The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Private Schools Associations has announced to reopen the schools from January 11 at all costs, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday. 

The government has given a date of January 11, now the institutions will be opened in any case from January 11, the joint committee said and added that the private schools will protest if the government seals the educational institutions.

The committee questioned when every other sector is operational then why schools are being closed. The committee said they respected the announcement of the government and will now run the institutions with SOPs. The JAC will also implement the policy of smart lockdown in educational institutions.

It has been decided that the Joint Action Committee will present all recommendations to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) by December 27, the TV channel reported.

On the other hand, All Pakistan Private Schools Federation also announced peaceful protests on December 17 on the call of All Pakistan Private Schools Federation.

President of All Pakistan Private Schools Federation Kashif Mirza said peaceful protests and press conferences will be held on December 17 across the country including in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, Peshawar, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur and Gilgit under the "Education Restoration Movement".

“For the constitutional educational rights of 7.5 crore Pakistani children, all associations, parents, teachers, media, lawyers, civil society will fully participate,” he added.

Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood on November 23 had announced the closure of all the educational institutes from November 26 till January 10 in the wake of the second wave of coronavirus. 

The decision was made during the Inter-Provincial Education Ministers Conference. Mahmood said educational activities would turn to online education and online classes and educational work would continue till December 24. 

"All ministers have mutually decided to keep all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities, and tuition centres closed.”

However, online classes will continue from November 26 to December 24 after which winter break will start. Schools will reopen on January 11, 2021," Shafqat Mahmood said.