Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Punjab—bordering Pakistan over a stretch of 532 km—has ordered the closure of all educational institutions and the cancellation of ongoing examinations.
I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University in Jalandhar announced on Friday that, with the approval of competent authorities, all end-semester examinations have been postponed until further notice due to unforeseen circumstances. The revised schedule will be announced at least five days prior to the new commencement date.
To assist residents during this critical period, the Punjab government has set up a control room accessible via landline numbers 0172-2741803 and 0172-2749901.
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated that, given the evolving situation, all government, private, and aided schools, colleges, and universities across the state will remain shut for the next three days.
On Thursday night, blackouts were reported in six border districts—Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran—following attempts by Pakistani drones to infiltrate Indian territory.
In Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, authorities have ordered the closure of all schools until Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF) neutralised a Pakistani intruder in the Ferozepur sector early Friday morning.
All police leaves in the state have been cancelled. Punjab Aam Aadmi Party chief Aman Arora expressed full support for the Indian Army, affirming that the Punjab Police—described as the “second line of defence”—is fully prepared to assist in any response to aggression.
He added, “The police force of Punjab will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Indian Army to give a befitting reply to any Pakistani attack.”
The state government has urged all citizens to strictly follow official advisories and orders to safeguard public safety.
(With IANS inputs)