Sindh Schools Resume Classes on January 1; AJK Extended Holidays Amid Weather Woes

The Sindh Education Department has announced that schools in the province will reopen on January 1, 2025, marking the end of the winter break, while the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) education department has extended the winter holidays due to severe weather conditions until January 4, 2025.

All schools in Sindh will resume regular classes today, as per the standard academic calendar, without any changes. This comes as a relief for students, parents, and faculty members in Sindh, including Karachi, who were looking forward to resuming their academic activities. The decision to reopen schools was taken despite challenging circumstances, including ongoing sit-ins in Karachi by the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) against the Parachinar issue. The sit-ins have led to disruptions in daily life, with several arterial roads closed or partially closed, and police deploying to disperse protesters. The situation remains tense, with several protesters injured and arrested.

The Sindh Education Department's move to reopen schools reflects its commitment to maintaining the academic schedule, despite the disruptions. The department's decision is seen as an effort to provide continuity in education for students and minimize the impact of the disruptions on their studies. Meanwhile, the AJK education department's decision to extend winter holidays is understandable, considering the severe weather conditions in the region.

As Sindh schools resume classes today, students, parents, and faculty members can breathe a sigh of relief. The education department's decision to maintain the academic schedule is a victory for those who value education and want to minimize the disruptions caused by the protests. The situation in AJK, however, remains a cause for concern due to the severe weather conditions.