Web Desk: Several universities in and around Islamabad and Rawalpindi have moved classes online as security preparations intensify ahead of a planned protest in the capital on Sept. 27.
HITEC University in Taxila and the Wah and Attock campuses of COMSATS University Islamabad are scheduled to begin online classes from Thursday, Sept. 24, until further notice. PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi has also announced an online teaching arrangement.
The decisions come as authorities increase security across Attock, Taxila, Rawalpindi and Islamabad ahead of the planned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf protest march.
Authorities have strengthened security around major routes linking Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab and the federal capital. These include the GT Road, motorway routes, Chach Interchange, Attock Bridge, Haroon Bridge and Ghazi Barotha Bridge. Reports also indicate that thousands of security personnel are being deployed in Attock.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has sought additional Rangers deployment in several districts, including Rawalpindi and Attock, as part of preparations for the protest.
The security measures have also affected other educational institutions. Authorities in Islamabad have taken control of 24 public educational institutions to accommodate security personnel during the preparations. Some educational institutions in Hazro have also reportedly been temporarily closed.
However, the move to online classes does not currently apply to every university in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Students have been advised to follow announcements issued directly by their respective institutions.
The developments come as authorities prepare for possible disruptions to traffic and public services around Sept. 26 and 27. Reports have also indicated possible restrictions on mobile and internet services in selected areas of Rawalpindi and Attock, although such measures require action by the relevant federal authorities.
As security arrangements continue to evolve, universities and students are expected to rely on official institutional notices for further instructions regarding classes and campus activities.
Read more: September 27 protest: Mobile, internet services may be suspended in Islamabad
