All educational institutions in Quetta have bene ordered shut for two days, March 17 and 18, after the issuance of a security alert, reported Aaj News.

Matriculation exams scheduled for Thursday and Friday have also been postponed, as per Balochistan Board Chairperson Sadia Farooqi.

Examinations in other districts, however, will continue as planned, while the dates of the postponed exams will be announced later.

The decision comes in the wake of a security alert issued by the provincial home department, following which the education department decided to suspend educational activities.

Security has also been beefed up at sensitive places in the city - including public locations, places of worship, transit points, among others.

Meanwhile, the Balochistan Home Department has issued instructions to all commissioners, deputy commissioners, and police officers to remain alert. Directions have also been asked to keep a close watch on the external and internal routes of the city.

Security has also been enhanced at Sibi, Mach and Chaman train stations, said the Railway Police spokesperson. Passengers will also be searched when they arrive and depart from the stations.

Meanwhile, a joint protest rally organised by a young doctors collective, paramedics, and nurses today (Thursday) has also been postponed due to security concerns in Quetta.

The associations announced that they will continue to protest against the government but for now deem it important to be ready for any emergency following the high alert.

Balochistan has been hit by a spate of terrorist attacks that target law enforcement personnel.

At least four security personnel lost their lives after an attack on their convoy in Sibi on Tuesday, A little over a week earlier, seven law enforcement personnel were martyred in another attack.