ISLAMABAD: Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood on Wednesday announced the postponement of all examinations, including board exams and O/A-level exams, till June 1.
Addressing a press conference, the minister stated that the decision has been taken in order to give children ample time to prepare.
“It is is important to give children a predictable future. That is why we kept the matter of exams separate from the closure of educational institutes,” the minister said.
Mahmood further added that he had spoken to the officials responsible for conducting the Cambridge exams and said: “They have said that they may consider shifting the exams to the November session. However, I have spoken to them and asked them to consider shifting the May session to June and July.”
However, this decision will be taken by them, he said.
The minister said due to delay in exams, the universities have also been directed to delay their admissions.
He said that the schools and the religious seminaries have been closed till April 5 as per the decision of the National Security Committee. The government will decide on March 27 whether the situation is suitable to reopen the institutions.
According to Mahmood, arrangements are being made to hold online classes in case the closure period is extended. In this regard technology support and content committees have also been set up.
Mahmood said all cultural events have also been postponed due to the current situation.
The minister said the federal government is working in cohesion with the provinces to take all possible measures to contain the spread of coronavirus.
He said the decision to evacuate students from university hostels has been implemented. However, he explained that international students are exempted from this decision.
