GB govt schools, except in Diamer, ordered to observe “winter vacations”

Our Correspondent

Gilgit, December 19: The Secretary Education has ordered government run schools in Gilgit-Baltistan, except Diamer district, to observe “winter vacations” from December 21, 2012 to January 31, 2013.

According to a notification (No. Sec. Edu. 2(58)/2012), the decision has been taken with the blessings of the Education Minister, at a meeting of the Coordination Committee of the Education Department, presided by Syed Hadi, the region’ s Secretary for Education.

Ironically, the schools in Diamer District have been given the exception of following the “past practice”.

The major reason for early vacations in other six districts has been mentioned as “chilly cold weather”. However, it is believed that the unstated reason for closing the  schools in six districts with mixed sectarian population, is the volatile law and order situation and the increased indulgence of youth in sectarian debates and violence at schools and colleges.

It is pertinent to note that the Karakoram University has already been closed till the third day of March, 2012.