Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training issued clarity on the statement of schools and institutes opening. Recently, it was announced that all institutes will open up from 15^th September, 2020 but it depends on the improvement of overall situation. As far as final examinations are concerned, the process will be initiated after the approval of National Command and Control Center (NCOC) as per the SOPs of federal government.

All educational institutes including schools, colleges, universities and madaris will open from the said date if overall situation of covid-19 in the country improves. However, 2 months of July and August will be a period of viewing and assessment. All provincial educational ministers will again sit in the first week of September and assess the situation. The announcement of 15^th September also came after a long and healthy discussion with educational boards, ministries and health departments. However, the decision of opening up offices has been taken.

Educational institutes will open up their administrative and academic offices from 15^th July, 2020. Ministry of Education has also allowed the students to carry on research work and advised universities to restart the research activities of students. Students from far flung areas can join their universities hostels after Eid-ul-Adha but only 30% of the occupancy is allowed for the universities. Even if the institutes are opened by 15^th September, 2020; they will be opened under strict SOPs. Area and District governments are made responsible to inspect the varsities for implementation of social distancing, face masks, hand sanitizers, and all other protocols. Institutes can call their teaching staff before the month of September so that they can be trained regarding the SOPs.