The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced the temporary closure of schools, colleges, and universities across multiple flood-prone districts of the province as part of precautionary safety measures.
According to an official notification released by the Higher Education Department (HED) KP, all higher education institutions in Swat, Buner, Mansehra, Chitral, Shangla, Kohistan, and several other northern districts will remain closed from August 19 to August 25, 2025.
The move comes in response to continuous warnings by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) about heavy rains and the possibility of flash floods and landslides in upper KP.
Online Classes to Continue
The government has directed all universities and colleges in the affected areas to shift their academic activities online during this period. This measure ensures that students do not face disruption in their academic schedule despite the physical closure of institutions.
Meanwhile, the Elementary & Secondary Education Department had earlier announced a week-long holiday for schools in selected districts for the same reason, keeping student safety as the top priority.
Safety Precautions and Government’s Stand
Officials emphasized that the decision was made to safeguard students, teachers, and staff from potential risks caused by rising water levels and possible infrastructure damage. The provincial government has also urged residents of vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow the guidelines issued by the local administration and disaster management authorities.
Broader Impact
The temporary shutdown will affect thousands of students across northern KP, particularly in areas like Swat and Chitral, which are frequently hit by monsoon-related flooding. Educational institutions are expected to reopen on August 26, 2025, provided that the weather situation stabilizes and no further risks are reported.
This step reflects the government’s increasing reliance on digital learning platforms during emergencies, ensuring both safety and continuity of education.
