Education

Offices, schools to remain closed in Islamabad, Rawalpindi?

Islamabad: Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon on Sunday dismissed as fake a notification circulating online that claimed all public and private offices in the federal capital and Rawalpindi would remain closed from April 20 until further notice.

At the same time, he clarified that all educational institutions in Islamabad will remain open on Monday, saying no decision has been taken yet regarding their closure.

In a post on X, he urged citizens not to share unverified or misleading information and to rely only on official government sources for updates.

“Citizens are requested to refrain from sharing unverified or fake news. Please rely only on official handles of the district administration, Islamabad, for authentic updates,” he said.

However, a separate late-night notification from the Cabinet Division said all ministries, divisions and federal government offices located in Islamabad’s Red Zone will work from home on April 20.

It added, “All officers and secretarial staff shall remain at the station and be prepared to attend office when required at a short notice.”

In another notification, the Islamabad district magistrate said entry into the Red Zone will remain suspended on April 20. It added that public and private offices, as well as schools in the area, “may adopt a work-from-home arrangement on the said date in order to avoid any inconvenience”.

Police said the Red Zone has been closed to traffic as the capital prepares for possible foreign delegations, with alternative traffic routes in place.

Public and heavy transport in Islamabad has also been suspended until new directions are issued. Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi district administration has suspended all public and goods transport from Sunday noon until further directives.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said his envoys would arrive in Islamabad on Monday evening, one day before a two-week ceasefire ends.

A White House official had said the US delegation would be headed by Vice President JD Vance, who led the war’s first peace talks a week ago, and also include Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner. Trump had separately told ABC News and MS Now that Vance would not go.

Pakistan, which has served as the main mediator, appeared to be preparing for the talks. Two giant US C-17 cargo planes landed at an air base on Sunday afternoon, carrying security equipment and vehicles in preparation for the US delegation’s arrival, two Pakistani security sources said.

Authorities in the capital city of Islamabad halted public transport and heavy-goods traffic. Barbed wire was rolled out near the Serena Hotel, where last week’s talks were held. The hotel told all guests to leave.

Education

IMCG F-6/2 Holds Investiture Ceremony of Newly Elected College Council

ISLAMABAD: The investiture ceremony of the newly elected College Council 2026-27 was held at Islamabad Model College for Girls (IMCG), Street 25, F-6/2, on Friday, October 2, 2026.

Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Ms. Rabia Naseem Farooqi, was the chief guest, while Director General, Federal Directorate of Education, Mr. Javed Iqbal Mirza, attended as the guest of honour. Officials from the FDE, teachers and parents of council members also attended the ceremony.

The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Khadija-tul-Kubra of Class IX-A, followed by a Naat presented by Zainab Fatima of Class X-B. Head of the Pakistan Studies Department Ms. Riffat Sultana welcomed the guests and highlighted the importance of the Students’ Council and its role in promoting student welfare and institutional development. The College Anthem was also presented by Aimen Mushtaq and her group.

In her welcome address, Principal Prof. Aaliya Durrani congratulated the newly elected council members and highlighted the importance of leadership, responsibility, discipline, integrity and service. She also appreciated the continued support of parents and the dedicated efforts of teachers in nurturing students’ talents.

The principal highlighted the college’s academic achievements, stating that the institution achieved a 100 percent pass percentage with an overall GPA of 5.02 at SSC level. At HSSC level, Amna Azhar secured second position in the Federal Board. At BS level, the college achieved 100 percent results in Mathematics and Computer Science, while Arifa Kiani secured first position in BS Mathematics with a 4.0 CGPA.

The newly elected President of the College Council, Ms. Nimra Farman, took the oath from Chief Guest Ms. Rabia Naseem Farooqi. The oath-taking ceremony was followed by a candle exchange ceremony symbolizing the transfer of responsibilities from the outgoing to the newly elected council.

Vice President Haleema Sadia, General Secretary Dilruba, Joint Secretary Anita and Treasurer Anisha Hanif also took their oaths. Head Girls, deputy head girls, society secretaries, members of the Civic and Character Building Society and class representatives from senior and junior sections also took their oaths.

Addressing the gathering, President Nimra Farman thanked the teachers and students for their confidence and pledged that her team would work through collaboration and innovation to meet the expectations of the college community.

Guest of Honour Mr. Javed Iqbal Mirza congratulated the newly elected council members and emphasized that leadership is a responsibility. He urged the students to uphold the values, dignity and traditions of their institution and demonstrate courtesy, fairness, respect and honesty.

Chief Guest Ms. Rabia Naseem Farooqi also congratulated the newly inducted council members and said their badges and sashes represented trust, responsibility and leadership. She urged the students to uphold integrity, service and balance, follow the principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline, and maintain academic excellence alongside their leadership responsibilities.

The College Choir presented a national song, while Principal Prof. Aaliya Durrani presented college insignia and flowers to the chief guest and guest of honour. The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem at 11:30 am, followed by a photo session and refreshments for the guests and parents in the college lawn.

Education

Pakistan, China deepen TVET ties with landmark MoUs in Hangzhou

ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, participated in the China-Pakistan International TVET-Industrial Cooperation and Exchange Seminar held in Hangzhou on May 24, 2026.

The seminar was held during Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to China, where landmark agreements are signed with leading Chinese educational institutions through the TANG International Education Network to enhance bilateral cooperation in technical and vocational education, advanced technologies, skills development, educational exchange and youth empowerment for Pakistani youth.

Addressing the seminar, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan highlighted the importance of Pakistan China collaboration in equipping young people with market-driven skills and modern technological expertise to meet emerging global challenges.
He said the partnership would open new avenues for Pakistani students and professionals in advanced and multidisciplinary fields.
During the event, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with prominent Chinese institutes and colleges under the framework of the TANG International Education Network.

The agreements aim to strengthen institutional linkages, promote industrial cooperation, facilitate academic exchanges and expand opportunities for technical and vocational training between the two countries.

The seminar was organised as part of activities marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, reflecting the growing strategic partnership and shared commitment to youth development, innovation and educational cooperation.

Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said Pakistan’s youth remained the country’s greatest asset and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering them through international collaboration, modern education and skills-based initiatives aligned with future industry demands.

Education

Effective exam monitoring, administrative affairs underway; Commissioner briefed

BISE Rawalpindi examination arrangements HSSC 2026

RAWALPINDI: Commissioner and Chairman Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE), Rawalpindi, Engineer Aamir Khattak, on Saturday visited the Rawalpindi Board office and reviewed administrative and examination arrangements.

Secretary Board Amjad Iqbal Khattak, Controller of Examinations Tanveer Asghar Awan, Deputy Secretary Shah Rukh Rashid and other officials were present on the occasion.

Office-bearers of the Employees Welfare Association appreciated measures taken for institutional improvement, transparency in examinations and discipline.

Speaking on the occasion, the commissioner said that transparency, merit and modern administrative practices would be further strengthened to ensure a fair and peaceful examination environment for students.

He said institutional success depended on trust, honesty and teamwork.

Later, the controller gave a detailed briefing on arrangements for the HSSC 1st Annual Exams, including monitoring mechanisms and the use of modern technology.

The commissioner directed officials to ensure effective monitoring and utilisation of modern tools, while adopting a zero-tolerance policy against cheating mafias.