TAXILA, Jan 14: The partial closure of educational institutions in Taxila and Wah Cantonment on Monday due to long march of Tehrik-i-Minhajul Quran (TMQ) caused confusion among parents and students.

As the federal territory administration had announced closure of educational institutions in its jurisdiction, no announcement was made by the local administration in Taxila.

As a result, parents ended up sending their children to school only to find that some educational institutions were closed while others remained open.

In Wah Cantonment, F.G. Postgraduate College for Women and Government Degree College for Women were open while Mashall College remained closed.

On the other hand, Taxila Margalla Academy, Heavy Industries Taxila Education City and a number of government and private educational institutions remained closed but the schools run by cantonment board and Punjab government remained closed.

Many students were seen helplessly standing outside educational institutions after their vehicles had dropped them off.

“I prepared my children and sent them to school but from there they called and informed that the school was closed,” said an aggrieved mother, Naz Bibi.

She said that although she was aware from media reports that the educational institutions would be closed but the announcement was only for the federal capital, not Taxila.

She said that her children were traumatised by the whole experience, adding that the local school administration should adopt a clear policy to save parents and students from psychological and mental trauma.

Aneela Khan, a resident of HMC Colony, said she went as per routine to Mashall College Wah Cantt in the chilly weather, travelling 12 kilometres and only after reaching the college saw the notice of closure pasted on the gate.

Ghulam Zakria, a resident of Hassanabdal, said that as a result of the confusion he failed to reach his office on time.

When contacted, Tahir Durrani, official of a private educational institution said that the decision for closure of private educational intuitions was made at the last hour, to save students from any traffic blockade or transport related issues.