ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The federal government on Thursday announced to lift the lockdown across the Country in phases from May 9, 2020; however, the transport and flight operations would remain closed.
In addition, the educational institutions would also remain closed till July 15, 2020.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Imran Khan while briefing the media about the decisions taken in the National Coordination Committee (NCC) held earlier in the day in Islamabad.
The prime minister said that the public transport will be opened only after Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) are abided by and consultations with all provinces.
Imran Khan said that the decision to end the lockdown has been taken in consultation with all the provinces to ease out people’s lives.
The premier said that lifting of lockdown imposed in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak has become indispensable as the impoverished segments of the society are suffering the most amid intensive restrictions.
In addition, he added that 35 percent of the revenue collection by the government has decreased while exports have also come down.
However, he urged the people to demonstrate responsibility as a nation and maintain social distancing.
Briefing the media, the Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood said that all educational institutions including schools, colleges and universities will remain closed till July 15.
Shafqat Mahmood said that all board examinations have been cancelled while students will be promoted based on their last year’s results.
Two important decisions taken by PM Imran Khan in the NCC today. One, All educational institutions will remain closed till July 15. Two, ALL Board exams throughout the country have been cancelled. Students would be assessed on their previous performance in Board exams.
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) May 7, 2020
Universities would decide their exams schedule according to their own policies and according to the direction and SOPs issued by the Higher Education Commission
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) May 7, 2020
Earlier in the NCC meeting, the Federal Ministers, Provincial Chief Ministers, Prime Minister Azad Kashmir and senior officials participated and discussed recommendations made by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) regarding reopening of small businesses and educational institutions by easing lockdown curbs in the wake of Coronavirus pandemic.
