ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to stop using government schools and colleges in Islamabad as temporary accommodation for police and security personnel during protests and security operations.
The decision aims to protect students’ academic activities and prevent educational institutions from shutting down because of law and order arrangements.
The prime minister has also instructed government departments to keep teachers away from administrative assignments unrelated to their teaching responsibilities. These include election duties, census activities and household surveys.
The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has communicated the new directions to relevant Islamabad authorities through an official letter issued on Wednesday.
Under the instructions, educational buildings and facilities managed by the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) cannot be occupied by law enforcement agencies for security purposes. The restriction covers classrooms, school buildings and college premises.
The authorities have been directed not to turn educational institutions into temporary police camps, accommodation facilities or detention centres. Islamabad’s administration and police must ensure that government schools and colleges remain available for educational activities.
The prime minister has also ordered the removal of non-teaching responsibilities previously assigned to government schoolteachers. Officials have been instructed to cancel such assignments so teachers can concentrate on classroom instruction.
The restrictions are expected to reduce disruptions caused by the temporary transfer of teaching staff to government administrative activities. They may also help schools maintain their regular academic schedules.
The decision follows the closure of 38 government schools and colleges in Islamabad during security arrangements in September 2026.
Police personnel were reportedly accommodated in these institutions from September 24 ahead of an expected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest march. Several educational institutions remained closed for periods ranging from one to three weeks.
The situation affected thousands of students and interrupted regular classes and other academic activities. The use of school buildings for security arrangements also raised concerns among parents and education stakeholders.
To prevent similar incidents, the education ministry has formally informed the Islamabad chief commissioner, chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and inspector general of police about the prime minister’s decision.
The secretary of the interior and director general of the Federal Directorate of Education have also received the instructions. These officials are responsible for ensuring that the new restrictions are implemented across relevant government institutions.
A federal government official welcomed the move, saying educational facilities should primarily serve students rather than being used to accommodate security personnel.
The exemption of teachers from additional administrative assignments was also described as a positive step towards improving the education system.
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The latest government instructions aim to protect students’ access to education, reduce classroom disruptions and ensure that teachers can perform their regular academic responsibilities without unnecessary administrative duties.
