The Punjab School Education Department has ordered the closure of all public and private schools and academies from March 10 to March 31, disrupting academic activity across the province. Authorities warned that strict action will be taken against institutions that violate the orders. Schools found open may be sealed, registrations cancelled, and responsible officials could face penalties, including salary stoppages. Daily monitoring reports have also been made mandatory, while several schools in suburban areas have already been sealed for non-compliance. Admissions System Comes to a Halt The closure has severely affected the annual admissions cycle, which typically runs from March 1 to March 31. Parents usually enrol children in nursery, kindergarten and primary classes during this period. However, the shutdown has brought the process to a standstill. Reports suggest admissions have dropped sharply this year, with only about 20 percent of expected enrolments recorded so far. This indicates a decline of nearly 80 percent compared to last year. Education experts warn that this disruption could have long-term effects on student intake and school planning for the new academic session. Private Schools Criticise Govt Decision Leaders of private school associations have strongly criticised the closures. They argue that the education sector is being treated as a testing ground for policy decisions. They said that even countries facing conflict have not shut down schools completely. One representative described the situation as damaging for both students and institutions. The associations also pointed out that the annual examination system has already suffered, calling it “half-baked,” and now admissions have also been paralysed. They have demanded immediate reopening of schools and permission to proceed with admissions and academic activities. Exams Disrupted, Students Promoted The closures have also affected the examination process. Authorities acknowledged that proper annual exams could not be conducted this year. As a result, it has been decided that all students from Grade 1 to Grade 7 in public schools will be promoted without failure. Promotions are scheduled to take effect on March 31. Officials described the exam process as largely symbolic this year due to the disruptions. Strict Enforcement and Legal Warnings The Rawalpindi District Education Authority has warned that calling students or staff during the closure period will be treated as a violation of law. Authorities stressed that summoning teachers unnecessarily is unfair, especially amid rising fuel costs and inflation. Institutions that fail to comply may face sealing, cancellation of registration and disciplinary action against headmasters. Ongoing Education Challenges in Punjab The current situation adds to a series of disruptions faced by the education sector in recent years. Frequent closures due to smog, weather conditions and law-and-order situations have already reduced classroom days significantly. In one recent academic year, schools operated for less than half of the total working days. Experts say repeated interruptions are widening learning gaps, especially for students in public schools who lack access to online education tools. A Growing Concern for Students and Parents The latest shutdown has created uncertainty for parents planning their children’s academic future. With admissions stalled and exams disrupted, stakeholders fear long-term damage to the education system if closures continue without alternative arrangements.