Universities shift to online classes ahead of PTI’s Sep 27 long march
Classes move online from September 24
HITEC University Taxila and COMSATS University Islamabad’s Wah and Attock campuses have announced online classes from September 24. The online arrangement will continue until further notice, according to notices reported on Wednesday.
The decision comes as security preparations increase across Attock, Taxila, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The measures are linked to preparations for the planned September 27 protest and march towards the federal capital.
Security tightened in key areas
Attock has seen increased security because it is an important route linking Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab and Islamabad. Containers have reportedly been placed near major crossings, while security has also been strengthened along the GT Road, motorway, Chach Interchange and key bridges.
Reports say around 30,000 personnel are being deployed in Attock as part of the security arrangements. Some educational institutions in Hazro have also reportedly been temporarily closed.
Rangers requested for several areas
The Punjab government has requested Rangers deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali ahead of the planned protest. The move comes as authorities prepare for possible movement and security challenges around the federal capital.
Islamabad authorities have also taken control of 24 public educational institutions to accommodate security personnel during the preparations. These steps are part of wider arrangements being made ahead of the planned protest.
Online shift not yet general
The online classes decision does not appear to cover all universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Reports on Wednesday said there was no general announcement for all universities in the two cities to shift their classes online.
COMSATS University Islamabad’s public events listing was still showing an on-campus event for September 24. This indicates that arrangements may differ between campuses and students should follow notices issued by their own institutions.
The move to online classes is mainly linked to security preparations and possible travel difficulties around the Islamabad region. The decision allows affected students to continue their academic activities without depending on daily travel to campus.
The situation remains subject to further security decisions and institutional announcements. Students should rely on official notices from their universities for any changes to class schedules or campus operations.
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