LAHORE: The All Pakistan Private Schools Federation (APPSF) on Monday rejected the government’s decision to keep schools closed till August, and vowed to approach the court against the order.

The federation appealed to the prime minister, chief ministers, chief justice and the army chief to open the schools on the condition of following standard operating procedures (SOPs) being implemented internationally.

APPSF President Kashif Mirza, in a video message, said they would take the legal course against the government for closing schools due to the coronavirus pandemic. He said around 1.5 million teachers would be bearing the brunt of this “illegal lockdown” and closure of schools.

He further said that if the government was not going to open schools then it should take measures to provide jobs to these 1.5 million teachers. Millions of students, especially girls, would have to face academic loss.

“We have established SOPs and will take measures to ensure their implementation,” he claimed.

Mr Mirza said they would maintain social distancing and operate schools in morning and evening shifts.

“If the government did not allow opening of schools, most of them will be closed forever and it will also leave a negative impact on the education level of the country,” he added.

He said most of the schools were operating in rented buildings with a fixed monthly rent that they were unable to pay.

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2020