The third wave and students Private schools should understand the gravity of the situation and the risk the third wave poses for children Editorial April 09, 2021 The announcement by federal minister of education Shafqat Mahmood – regarding the closure of schools for grades I to VIII and the resumption of classes and subsequent board exams for grades IX to XII and O, AS and A Levels – has been met with ire by all stakeholders. While the minister has ensured that the Matric, Inter and Cambridge exams will be held under strict observation of all SOPs, students have taken to social media and warned coming out in protest against the decision. Private school associations across Sindh have also threatened to protest if schools were not allowed to re-open for grades I to VIII, while the All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association (APPSCA) has announced a nationwide long march.