RAWALPINDI: All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association (APSMA) vowed that the bid of shifting all schools of the cantonment area from residential to commercial sites would be resisted, as the move could badly affect a large number of students.
At a general body meeting of APSMA’s Rawalpindi Cantt area schools held here on Sunday, the speakers said that they were united and would continue fighting for their due rights. They added that the association was committed to protecting rights of private schools at any cost.
APSMA Divisional President Abrar Ahmad Khan said that a large number of students would be badly affected if the schools would be shifted outside the cantonment area. He added that unrealistic approach by the relevant authorities in this regard will harm not only parents and students but will also disturb the tranquil atmosphere of educational institutions.
He further said that APSMA will go on strike if needed.
Another member Amjad Zeb said that no power can be successful until the association was united, and stressed upon expanding the network of the association to further strengthen joint efforts.
The Supreme Court in October last year had ordered to shift all schools of cantonment areas from residential to commercial sites. This had made private schools worrisome, to which APSMA was mobilising private schools concerned.
APSMA Rawalpindi Cantt General Secretary Raja Waseem Saifi said that parents of the students would be taken into confidence in the next step, and an awareness campaign among masses will also be initiated.
Later, a resolution was passed unanimously that if any private school is threatened or pressurised by the authorities, joint action committee of APSMA will close all schools. Moreover, a process of dialogue with concerned quarters will be carried on simultaneously.
