PMC Poll: Pakistanis divided over whether country should reopen junior schools or not

Amid the COVID-19 resurgence in Pakistan, people it seems are divided over whether the country should reopen schools or not — a new poll conducted by PMC showed.

People were asked “Should Pakistan reconsider opening junior schools after gradual surge in new coronavirus cases?” on September 18. In response, as many as 177 votes were polled and it seemed as if the opinion was split — 50.3% said yes to junior schools reopening while a close 49.7% said No.

A few days ago, Pakistan reported its highest cases of COVID-19 since August 15 (more than five weeks). The development caused alarm and panic across the country, with experts questioning whether schools should be reopened or not.

Should Pakistan reconsider opening junior schools after gradual surge in new coronavirus cases?

— _PMC_Official (@PMC_Positive) September 18, 2020

However, Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood said the schedule for opening educational institutions will remain unchanged.

Health of students is our first priority and any decision we make will be guided by the advice of Health Ministry. Having said that 6 months closure deeply affected the students. Decision to open was taken with great care. Any hasty decision to close will destroy education

— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) September 19, 2020