Schools reopen after 21-day hiatus

All public and private schools across the Rawalpindi Division have reopened after an extended 21-day break, restoring activity to previously subdued educational institutions. On Wednesday, government schools announced the pending annual examination results for classes from early years (pre-primary) to Grade 7. All pupils were declared successful and promoted to the next classes. Admissions in public schools have also commenced, albeit with a delay of one month this year, raising concerns that enrolment targets may not be achieved. In contrast, private schools began their admission process in February and have largely completed new enrolments, while public institutions are expected to record significantly lower intake. Students who passed have been instructed to return textbooks from their previous classes. Authorities have directed that all pupils submit these books today (Thursday), after which they will be issued materials for the new academic year. Owing to the prevailing economic constraints, recycled textbooks will be redistributed among students. The announcement of results saw pupils arriving at schools with their parents, many dressed for the occasion. While some institutions awarded first, second, and third position prizes, most limited proceedings to a general declaration of "all pass" and promoted students without formal ceremonies, reflecting the incomplete nature of the examinations. This year, however, Grade 8 board examinations were conducted, though their results remain pending and are expected between April 8 and 10. Only four subjects—Urdu, English, Mathematics, and Science—were examined by the board, with the remaining papers conducted in a limited capacity by individual schools. Marking for the board examinations is reportedly stringent, with a high failure rate anticipated. According to sources within the Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority (PECTA), a substantial proportion of candidates are likely to fail. Teachers' organisations have warned that excessive strictness in marking could lead to increased dropout rates, particularly among middle-grade students. They cautioned that 60 to 70 per cent of girls declared unsuccessful at this level may discontinue their education. Rana Liaquat, Central Secretary General of the Punjab Teachers Union, criticised the reintroduction of the Grade 8 board examination, describing it as a flawed policy previously abandoned after failing on two occasions. He noted that the current system applies only to public school students, with the private sector excluded, effectively turning government institutions into a testing ground. Negative repercussions, he said, are already emerging. He further highlighted that out of 38,000 public schools in Punjab, approximately 125,000 teaching posts remain vacant, with no regular recruitment since 2018. Around 14,000 schools have already been privatised, with a further 4,500 reportedly in the process of being transferred to the private sector.

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Karachi lays to rest youth killed in Iran port strike

A young Karachi resident, Yasir Khan, who was killed in reported Israeli and American missile strikes at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port, was laid to rest in Mauripur on Wednesday night, as grief and calls for restraint echoed across the city. His body, brought earlier to Karachi, was shifted from the Edhi Foundation morgue to his residence in Mauripur after ritual washing and shrouding. Funeral prayers were offered after night prayers at a local Eidgah, attended by family members, relatives, political figures and residents of the area. Among those present were MNA Qadir Patel, MPA Asif Khan and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Monem Zafar Khan. The deceased was later buried at Manora graveyard, with prayers offered for his forgiveness. Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi had earlier visited the morgue to receive the body and convey condolences on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, assuring the family of full support by the government. Read More: Pakistan’s ports emerge as transit hub after Iran war disrupts Gulf routes Speaking to the media, Patel described Yasir as a martyr who “sacrificed his life and brought pride to Pakistan”, noting that he had gone to Iran nine months ago in search of employment. He stressed that further loss of innocent lives must be avoided and called for resolving the conflict through diplomacy, expressing hope in Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts. Yasir’s father thanked officials, including the chief ministers of Sindh and Balochistan, as well as Patel, for their assistance in bringing his son’s body back. However, he appealed to the Sindh government to support Yasir’s widow and child, whose lives he said had been deeply affected by the tragedy. Meanwhile, three other Karachi youths injured in the same attack remained in Taftan due to incomplete documentation and were expected to return once formalities were completed. JI leaders strongly condemned the strikes, urging the international community to take notice and calling for dialogue to end the conflict. They also questioned global institutions over their silence. Yasir’s coffin was draped in the national flag, and he was laid to rest with full honour, remembered by many as a victim of a distant conflict that has left a profound impact back home.

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SBP facilitates teenagers to open bank accounts, digital wallets

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Wednesday it has launched a new framework for teenagers’ accounts, enabling them to independently own and operate bank accounts and digital wallets. In a press release, the SBP outlined the key features of the initiative, emphasising the goal of fostering a financially literate, digitally adept generation. "The framework is designed to empower the country’s youth to save securely, transact confidently and develop responsible financial habits," the SBP stated. While adult account ownership in Pakistan has surged to 67%, teenagers have traditionally been confined to joint or parent-controlled accounts, limiting their financial engagement and learning. The new framework aims to fill that gap by providing Pakistan’s 26 million teenagers, aged 13 to 18, with the tools to save securely, transact confidently, and develop responsible financial habits, the SBP said. Read More: PSX soars past 155,000 mark as hopes of US-Iran de-escalation lift market “By giving teenagers the ability to independently manage their finances, we’re not just preparing them for adulthood, but setting them on a path towards becoming responsible, digitally-savvy financial citizens,” it added. In a move to build a financially savvy young generation, SBP has launched a new framework for teenagers’ accounts, enabling them to independently own and operate bank accounts and digital wallets. See PR: https://t.co/lOgGG3kxJe pic.twitter.com/bwIgWIcOOf — SBP (@StateBank_Pak) April 1, 2026 It further said the initiative aligned with the SBP's broader financial inclusion strategy and formed a key part of its Strategic Plan for 2023-28. It also supported the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) for 2024-28, which prioritised youth inclusion in Pakistan’s economic future. Pakistan's commitment to youth financial empowerment was recognised internationally last year, with the SBP receiving the AFI Global Youth Financial Inclusion Award. "The new framework is a continuation of our international efforts to build a financially inclusive society," the SBP added. By creating opportunities for teenagers to engage directly with the banking system, the SBP said it was not only enhancing financial literacy but also laying the foundation for a digitally-skilled generation capable of driving future economic growth in Pakistan.

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Transgender community decries job discrimination

On the occasion of International Transgender Day, members of the transgender community in Faisalabad voiced serious concerns over discrimination and the non-implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018, particularly the failure to enforce the three percent job quota in government and semi-government institutions. Dr Farri, a Victim Support Officer at a Police Service Center, said despite being highly qualified, transgender individuals continue to face barriers in securing stable employment. She holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad but struggled to find work in her field. Recalling her experience, she said that while working temporarily at a private dairy farm, she faced verbal abuse and insensitive remarks from employers and the public. "People would say it felt strange seeing me treat animals," she added. Dr Farri said she applied to several government departments under the reserved quota but was not selected. She acknowledged that former Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar facilitated employment opportunities for transgender individuals at Police Service Centers, but noted that these positions are contractual and lack job security. She further highlighted that employees are paid Rs30,000 per month, below minimum wage standards, making it difficult to sustain a livelihood amid rising inflation. "We cannot support our families or live with dignity under these conditions," she said, urging the government to grant permanent employment and fair salaries. Dr Farri added that despite completing only six months of service, uncertainty looms over her future due to the contractual nature of the job, with no policy in place for regularisation. She also pointed out that transgender individuals face frequent harassment in public spaces, including markets and social gatherings. Inspector Madiha, in charge of the Police Service Center, said a dedicated protection center has been established to address the concerns of the transgender community.

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Aman jirga calls for immediate ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan

The Pakistan-Afghanistan Aman Jirga on Tuesday called for an immediate ceasefire between the two countries and urged both nations to resolve their conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq after Afghan Taliban forces fired on multiple locations, prompting swift military retaliation by Pakistan. However, a brief ceasefire was observed at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye in view of the Eidul Fitr holidays, which concluded at midnight between March 23 and 24. Aspire Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the National Reform Movement organised the jirga today and emphasised the need for both countries to ensure that their territories were not used against each other. The jirga was hosted by former chief secretary Arbab Shehzad Khan, with representatives from various political parties, religious scholars, the business community, and media professionals in attendance. During a media briefing following the jirga, former governor Shaukatullah Khan said Pakistan and Afghanistan shared deep-rooted cultural, religious, and social ties. "The jirga’s call for peace is grounded in the belief that war is not a solution to the issues between the two nations," he added. The jirga leaders demanded an immediate ceasefire and called on both countries to ensure that their lands were not used against one another. They stressed the importance of resolving all differences through negotiations and diplomatic means, as only mutual respect and understanding could guarantee lasting peace. Furthermore, they proposed the establishment of a continuous communication platform to facilitate ongoing dialogue, allowing both nations to better understand each other's perspectives, challenges, and constraints. The jirga’s participants expressed hope that through purposeful diplomacy and citizen engagement, Pakistan and Afghanistan could make significant strides towards peace, underscoring that mutual understanding and sustained efforts were essential for achieving this critical goal. The latest round of hostilities began in late February, following a series of deadly attacks across Pakistan by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists, for which Islamabad accused Afghanistan of sheltering them and failing to take action against them. Kabul denies the accusations. It followed airstrikes from the Pakistani military targeting alleged TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan. According to Kabul, the airstrikes killed dozens of civilians, whereas Islamabad claimed over 500 TTP militants were killed in the strikes.

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Policemen martyred as twin attacks rock Quetta

Two police personnel were martyred when unidentified accused opened fire on an Eagle Squad team on the Eastern Bypass. The victims were identified as Constable Muhammad Noor and Constable Muhammad Ayub. The attack has once again raised serious concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel in the city. In a separate incident, miscreants targeted key infrastructure on the Western Bypass near Akhtarabad, where an 18-inch pipeline of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) was blown up using explosive material. The blast was so intense that it triggered a large fire, with flames rising high into the sky and causing panic among nearby residents. Initial findings from the bomb disposal unit indicate that the explosion was a deliberate act of sabotage, with explosives planted beneath the pipeline. SSGC emergency teams reached the site promptly, shut down the main valve, and managed to bring the fire under control, preventing further damage. The incident has disrupted gas supply across Quetta and several areas of upper Balochistan, including Airport Road, Nawan Killi, Jinnah Town, Hazarganji, Kuchlak, Pishin, Ziarat and surrounding localities. Residents are facing serious difficulties, particularly in the cold weather, as routine activities such as cooking and heating have been affected. SSGC officials stated that repair work will begin once security clearance is granted, adding that the restoration of the damaged section may take between 12 to 24 hours. Police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) teams have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation. Authorities believe the pipeline, located beneath a bridge, was deliberately targeted.

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Rural water, sanitation projects to be expanded

Work is underway on modern clean drinking water supply and sanitation projects in 2,000 villages across Punjab through collaboration between the Punjab government and the World Bank. Under the Chief Minister's "Model Village Programme," the provision of urban-style basic facilities in more than 450 villages is also progressing rapidly. According to officias, projects for drinking water, sanitation and model villages in rural areas have been launched under the Punjab Rural Municipal Services Company (PRMSC). PRMSC Chief Executive Officer Khurram Pervez during a visit to Tehsil Kallar Kahar, reviewed ongoing development activities and stressed improving overall project performance while assessing work quality. During the visit, the CEO, along with the field team, inspected various villages including Khai, Wasnal and Sirkalan. A detailed review was conducted of construction pace and quality, functionality of water supply systems, drainage arrangements and recovery of dues. He directed the staff to ensure all work is completed on time and according to prescribed standards to provide the best facilities to the public. The CEO said that under the special attention of the Punjab government and the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, historic steps are being taken for the welfare of rural populations. In collaboration with the World Bank, modern water supply and sanitation projects are successfully ongoing in 2,000 villages across the province. Under the "Model Village Programme," provision of urban-style basic facilities in over 450 villages is also advancing rapidly, significantly improving living standards in rural areas. Khurram Pervez also met local residents, listened to their concerns and issued necessary instructions for immediate resolution. He emphasised that public cooperation is essential for sustainability of projects, particularly timely payment of dues to ensure continuity of services. At the final stage of the visit, proposed villages Matan Khurd and Matan Kalan were also inspected, where ground realities, planning needs and potential service delivery were reviewed. It was stressed that 100 per cent recovery of dues must be ensured in future projects to maintain uninterrupted services. The visit proved productive overall, providing clear guidance to enhance service delivery systems, expand scope, improve financial discipline and strengthen coordination among stakeholders. Furthermore, on the CEO's instructions, Earth Hour was also observed across all tehsils of PRMSC to raise environmental awareness and promote efficient energy use and environmental protection.

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