The security situation in the federal capital of Islamabad on Monday morning deteriorated, with terror threats prompting the government to close schools and universities apart from restricting communications in certain areas.
On Monday morning, the city's administration informed schools where classes had already begun that they must send children home owing to terror threats.
The nature or target of terrorists was not disclosed.
Consequently, government and private schools were closed until January 24.
Universities, particularly the National Defence University (NDU), Bahria University and Air University, were closed down for a similar length of time.
Additionally, residents reported that cellular signals had become unavailable in the areas surrounding the new military headquarters in Sectors E-7 and E-8.
School holidays for elections
Meanwhile, it has been decided that schools and other educational institutions across the country could be closed for up to eight days for elections.
February 4 is a Sunday while Monday February 5 is a national holiday for Kashmir Day. Schools will then remain closed from February 6-10 on account of elections. Schools are generally used to set up polling stations and thus house electoral staff who make the necessary arrangements.
February 11 will be Sunday and schools will remain closed on account of the gazetted holiday. Schools will then reopen on February 12.