ISLAMABAD: Education Ministry on Wednesday rejected the proposal of opening schools grounds for walk.

In response to a calling attention notice moved by two lawmakers of ruling PTI Ali Nawaz Awan and Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood and Parliamentary Secretary Wajiha Akram categorically said that schools grounds could not be used for public walk.

The two lawmakers had sought minister’s attention regarding non-utilisation of the grounds of schools in Islamabad for public walk in the evening, causing grave concern amongst the public.

MNA Ali Nawaz Awan while speaking on the floor of the house said that schools grounds are public property and should be opened for public walk.

The Parliamentary Secretary Education said rules and policy did not allow opening these schools ground for public. To this, Mr Awan said policy/rules are man-made and they should be amended in greater interest of the people.

He said policies were farmulated for the welfare of the people.

Mr Awan said in some areas of Islamabad public face shortage of place for walk, adding that walk in grounds and parks, is imperative for public to enhance their immunity level to better fight against cronavirus.

Meanwhile, supporting Parliamentary Secretary’s views, education minister Shafqat Mahmood said that because of security concerns, the government could not allow opening of schools for public walk in the evening.

Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2020