KARACHI: The Sindh Education Department announced on Tuesday that schools and colleges across the province, including Karachi, would reopen on Wednesday (today), bringing clarity to the resumption of classes after the winter break.
A spokesperson from the education department confirmed that academic institutions would resume operations starting January 1, 2025. Public and private schools and colleges in Sindh traditionally observe winter vacations from December 21 to 31 each year.
The announcement came amidst disruptions caused by ongoing sit-ins staged by the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) in Karachi over the Parachinar crisis. Protests have resulted in significant traffic congestion and partial closures of key roads in the city. Affected areas include Safari Park on University Road, Kamran Chowrangi, Lasbela, Abbas Town, and others.
The prolonged protests in Sindh’s capital intensified at Numaish Chowrangi on M A Jinnah Road, where demonstrators clashed with police. Protesters pelted stones at law enforcement personnel and set fire to six police motorcycles and a check post. In response, the police resorted to tear gas and baton charges, arresting several individuals involved.
The protests stem from ongoing violence in Parachinar, a tribal district in Kurram near the Afghan border. With a population of approximately 600,000, the region has long been a hotspot for conflict. Recent clashes, beginning in November, have left at least 130 people dead and triggered a humanitarian crisis. The closure of the highway connecting Parachinar to Peshawar has led to severe shortages of medicine and oxygen, exacerbating the situation.
While life in Sindh’s major cities like Karachi has been disrupted, authorities remain determined to ensure academic continuity. The reopening of schools is seen as a step toward normalcy amid challenging circumstances. However, the ongoing protests continue to pose logistical challenges for daily commuters and students alike.
Police efforts to clear protest sites have yielded partial success, with some roads reopened. However, localities in Sindh’s largest city remain affected, leaving citizens frustrated over restricted movement. The situation underscores the province’s struggle to balance law enforcement with public grievances.
The Sindh government’s swift decision to reopen educational institutions reflects its commitment to minimizing the academic impact of the protests, even as the unrest in Karachi and other parts of the province persists.