ISLAMABAD: All public and private educational institutions in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad will remain closed on Monday (today) amid widespread road closures in the wake of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) protest.

The district administrations of the twin cities said the move aimed to avoid inconvenience to pupils during the tumultuous times.

However, the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner said offices of the district administration, the Civil Defence Department, Rescue 1122 and hospitals will remain open.

The Punjab Mass Transit Authority will also keep the Metro Bus Service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad suspended for Monday.

The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has already announced the temporary suspension of the Metro Bus Service between Saddar and Faizabad stations from Nov 28 to Dec 1, 2024, to facilitate repair work on the Rawalpindi section of the metro bus corridor.

Meanwhile, Cantonment Traders Association General Secretary Zafar Qadri told Dawn that commercial activities in the cantonment areas will remain open as the local holiday does not apply on bazaars.

On the other hand, the Punjab government has cancelled the leaves of doctors and para-medical staff in three government-run hospitals in the garrison city.

It asked the city’s three allied hospitals – Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Holy Family Hospital and District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital – to remain open as per routine.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2024