Punjab schools to have ‘summer vacations’ till May 31; LB polls deferred

All the schools in Punjab will remain closed till May 31, as the summer vacations are to be observed before the schedule.

According to a decision taken by the provincial cabinet, half fee would be charged from the students during this period, but the teacher will receive their full salaries.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar also shared steps his government has finalised to cope with the emergent challenges including corona catastrophe and economic crisis.

The health department has been utilizing all available resources to win the war on coronavirus, he said during a press conference on Tuesday.

Buzdar said the health department would be provided with Rs11 billion to purchase medical instruments and 10,000 medics will be recruited to meet the health emergency needs.

School shutdown will remain in place until May 31 as the CM called it earlier summer vacation.

He explained the term lockdown, saying the government planned to make people adopt preventive measures and it won’t leave the labourers in the lurch as they work on a daily basis.

Buzdar said a formal request has been made to deduct Zakat before the onset of the holy month of Ramazan so that the poor people could get relief.

The Baitul Mal department is also directed to join the campaign. The chief minister announced the government has put off local bodies polls for nine months.

Mosques will remain open throughout the province, the chief minister said that the government has issued advisories for mosques and places of worship.

He appreciated the media for playing a vital role in the war on virus.

The chief minister announced the cabinet steps a day after imposing a lockdown to control corona spread, followed by making an appeal to people to limit group activities.  

Tribute to a doctor

Chief Minister Usman Buzdar paid tribute to Dr Usama Riaz who embraced martyrdom while treating coronavirus patients.

According to a handout, the CM said: “Dr Usama set an everlasting example of bravery and courage. Personalities like Dr Usama are the pride of the nation. His services will be remembered. The doctors and paramedical staff are leading the war.”