BAJAUR: A majority of private educational institutions in Bajaur tribal district are still operational despite the fact that the Private Schools Regulatory Authority has announced the winter vacation from December 23.

In winter zone, vacation would continue till February 28, 2025. Sources said a number of private schools were still operational on Tuesday despite the chilly weather.

However, a source told Dawn that fee collection from students delayed the closure of private educational institutions for winter vacation.

The source said the management of private educational institutions had directed students to submit their December tuition fee by 20th to avoid any possible delay in commencement of the winter vacation. However, the source said majority of students didn’t abide by the deadline.

The source said private educational institutions were likely to remain operational till at least December 31 on account of fee collection.

Meanwhile, students also complained about facing hardships while going to schools in the extremely cold weather.

When contacted, district education officer Arbab Shireenzada told Dawn that scores of private schools were still opened despite winter vacation.

“We have noticed that majority of private schools are not following the official winter vacation notification in the district,” he said. He promised strict action against the private schools not abiding by the order.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2024