Several universities near Islamabad and Rawalpindi have reportedly shifted classes online. The decision comes amid increased security preparations ahead of a planned September 27 protest.
According to notices circulating on Wednesday, classes will move online at selected campuses. The online arrangement is scheduled to begin Thursday, September 24.
HITEC University Taxila is among the institutions affected by the decision. COMSATS University campuses in Wah and Attock have also announced online classes.
The notices state that classes will remain online until further notice. The universities have not provided a specific date for returning to on-campus teaching.
The changes come as authorities increase security around Islamabad and nearby areas. The measures are linked to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s planned march towards the federal capital.
Security arrangements have been strengthened across Attock, Taxila, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad. These areas are important routes for people traveling toward the capital.
Attock has seen particularly strong security measures. The district provides an important connection between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad.
Authorities have placed containers at several major crossings. Security has also been increased along important roads and bridges.
The affected routes include the GT Road and motorway. Security measures have also been reported around Chach Interchange and Attock Bridge.
Authorities have further strengthened security around Haroon Bridge and Ghazi Barotha Bridge. These routes are considered important for movement toward Punjab and Islamabad.
Reports indicate that around 30,000 security personnel are being deployed in Attock. Some educational institutions in Hazro have also been temporarily closed.
The Punjab government has requested the deployment of Rangers in several districts. The request covers Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Mianwali.
Islamabad has also taken control of 24 public educational institutions. These facilities are being used to accommodate security personnel during preparations.
Despite the increased security, there has been no general announcement for all universities. As of Wednesday, similar instructions had not been publicly issued across Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
COMSATS University Islamabad, for example, continued to list an on-campus event for September 24. This indicates that arrangements may differ between campuses.
The decision by some universities to shift classes online is therefore limited. It does not currently apply to every higher education institution in the region.
The online classes are intended to allow academic activities to continue during the security preparations. Students at affected campuses are expected to attend classes remotely.
Universities near the federal capital have previously adjusted academic arrangements during periods of heightened security. Such measures can help reduce movement around sensitive areas.
The latest changes come ahead of the planned September 27 protest in Islamabad. Authorities are continuing to finalize security arrangements across the surrounding districts.
Students and faculty at affected campuses will need to follow instructions issued by their respective universities. Any further changes will depend on security conditions and official announcements.
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For now, universities including HITEC Taxila and COMSATS campuses in Wah and Attock have shifted classes online. The arrangement will remain in place until further notice.
