Will schools reopen in Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi on 13 October?

As protests by the religious-political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) continue, residents of Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad face significant disruptions, with major roads closed and uncertainty looming over the reopening of schools and educational institutions on Monday, October 13.

Authorities had previously announced early school closures due to security concerns as the TLP commenced its long march toward Islamabad. In addition, the private schools association declared a holiday on Saturday for affected areas, leaving students and parents anxious about the status of schools for the upcoming week.

In response to escalating tensions, strict security measures have been implemented across Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Key access points to the Red Zone have been blocked with containers, and mobile and internet services in the region were suspended indefinitely starting at midnight.

Critical thoroughfares such as the Faizabad interchange, Zero Point, and the Expressway are partially closed, allowing only limited single-vehicle passage in some sections. The Motorway M-2, a vital route connecting Lahore to Islamabad, remains closed, with no entry permitted from Babu Sabu and Thokar Niaz Baig.

Key areas affected include Islamabad’s Serena Chowk, Express Chowk, Nadra Chowk, and Marriott Chowk, where containers have been placed to restrict movement. Similarly, routes in Rawalpindi, including Rawal Dam Chowk and the Naz Cinema vicinity, have been sealed off. Public transportation services have also been impacted, with the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus suspended, as well as Lahore’s Orange Line service from Ali Town to Dera Gujran.

Universities and colleges in Lahore have been ordered to close, with classes canceled and immediate evacuation protocols activated amid safety concerns. Authorities have further imposed Section 144 across Punjab, prohibiting gatherings and limiting public movement to maintain order during the protests.

With the weekend holidays on Saturday and Sunday, officials have until Monday to evaluate the situation. While schools may remain closed on October 13 if unrest continues, the final decision will rest with authorities based on the evolving security environment.