The federal government has announced that the schools will remain closed till July 15 throughout the country owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

This was revealed by Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood at a news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday. The news briefing was mainly addressed by Prime Minister Imran Khan, disclosing the decisions taken at the meeting of the National Coordination Committee earlier.

The education minister further said that all the board examinations throughout the country have been cancelled and the elevation of the students will be done through promotion. “The promotion will be granted keeping in view the last year’s result of the student,” Shafqat Mehmood added.

On Wednesday last, Shafqat Mehmood presided over the meeting of provincial education ministers’ via video link in Islamabad where consensus was evolved to keep the schools across the country closed even after June 1st, 2020.

24NewsHD TV channel quoting its sources said that Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan voted against the opening of schools from June 1 while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa voted in favour of opening of schools.

Sindh and Balochistan education ministers said that number of coronavirus cases were on the rise in the country and it would not be feasible to open schools.

Separately, Punjab Education Minister Dr Murad Raas in a tweet said, “Let it be very CLEAR for all concerned. No decision has been made regarding opening of schools on June 1st, 2020. Discussions are underway. Lives of our Children & Honourable Teachers are priority number one. Everything else can wait. Unless you hear from me, rest is FAKE NEWS!”