LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday sought reports from the federal and provincial governments about the enforcement of Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) before the reopening of schools.

Justice Ali Baqar Najafi was hearing a public interest petition seeking a declaration that the reopening of the academic institutions scheduled from Jan 18 would be detrimental to the lives of the students and their families since it was announced without observing safety and health measures.

The petitioner’s counsel argued that the schools should remain closed till the provision of a safe atmosphere, vaccine, transportation, health and food facilities and financial assistance to the students and their family. He also asked the court to fix the responsibility of those at the helm of affairs in case of spread of Covid-19.

The counsel said the authorities should be asked to arrange online classes in order to ensure the safety of the lives of the students.

The lawyers of the federal and Punjab governments, present in court, said regarding reopening of schools the teachers and staff were required to begin preparation for academic work as well as implementation of coronavirus SOPs.

They said detailed SOPs had been developed that would be conveyed to the managements of schools for their implementation. However, they told the court that National Command Operation Centre had yet to take a final decision for reopening of the schools across the country, which shall be presented to the court.

The law officers sought time to submit reports and para-wise comments so that the court could be abreast of the development in this respect.

Justice Najafi allowed the time to the governments for submission of reports and adjourned hearing till Jan 19.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2021