The Pakistan High Commission in Delhi has recently made the difficult decision to suspend the activities of its school located in the national capital. This decision was primarily prompted by a significant decline in student enrolment. The school had been established to cater exclusively to the educational needs of the children of the High Commission’s staff. However, with Islamabad’s reduction in diplomatic personnel in 2020, the school’s student population steadily dwindled, rendering its operations unsustainable.
In response to media queries, a spokesperson for the Pakistan High Commission elaborated on the reasons behind this suspension. After completing the current academic year, the school’s activities will be officially put on hold due to the persistently low enrolment levels. The spokesperson emphasized that the school had never been open to the public and had always been dedicated to serving the educational requirements of the High Commission staff’s children.
The decline in student numbers can be traced back to June 2020 when the host country, at Islamabad’s request, halved the diplomatic strength of the High Commission. This downsizing had an inevitable impact on the number of staff members and, consequently, the number of children attending the school. With fewer personnel employed at the High Commission, the need for a dedicated school for their children diminished significantly.
Considering the current circumstances and the limited number of enrolled students, the Pakistan High Commission came to the difficult conclusion that continuing the school’s operations was no longer viable. The decision to suspend the school’s activities was made in the best interest of all parties involved. The High Commission believes that reallocating resources towards more essential services and areas of operation will better serve the needs of the diplomatic mission.
The suspension of the Pakistan High Commission School in Delhi will come into effect upon the conclusion of the ongoing academic year. The High Commission is working diligently to ensure a smooth transition for the affected students and their families. They are exploring alternative educational options for the children, taking into consideration their unique circumstances and requirements.
While the suspension of the school is undoubtedly a significant change for the affected families, the Pakistan High Commission remains committed to providing necessary support and assistance during this transitional period. The decision was made based on practical considerations and the current diplomatic landscape, aiming to optimize the resources available to effectively fulfill the mission’s objectives.
In summary, the Pakistan High Commission School in Delhi has been suspended due to low enrolment levels caused by the reduction in diplomatic staff. The school’s exclusive focus on serving the children of the High Commission’s personnel made it vulnerable to changes in diplomatic strength. The decision to suspend activities was made to ensure the efficient allocation of resources and to better meet the evolving needs of the diplomatic mission.
