Chandigarh, May 8 -- In response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Punjab Police has cancelled all leave for its personnel, effective from Wednesday. People familiar with the development have cited "administrative reasons" for this decision, although it is widely understood to be a precautionary measure due to the rising geopolitical instability. "Punjab is a border state and our police force must be prepared to address any challenges that may arise," said a senior official. According to the order issued by Punjab director general of police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, officers will only be granted leave in extraordinary circumstances starting May 7. This decision follows a video conference chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah, which included Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav and chief secretary KAP Sinha, alongside officials from other border states. In a separate instruction issued by the Punjab chief secretary, police have been directed to ensure smooth movement of army vehicles and increase in routine checking on strategic points. According to the instructions, the health department has been directed to ensure availability of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff at the hospitals and local bodies department has been directed to ensure availability ot fire tenders. All schools in the border districts of Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar and Gurdaspur were closed on Wednesday in the wake of tension along the border with Pakistan. Ferozepur deputy commissioner issued an order that all schools in the district will remain closed on Wednesday, officials said, adding that all schools in Pathankot will also remain shut for the next 72 hours. Officials said schools have also been shut in Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Fazilka districts. This comes after the military strikes were carried out under 'Operation Sindoor', two weeks after the massacre of 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. Later in the evening, Ferozepur announced that schools in the district will remain closed for two days (Thursday & Friday), while in Fazilka, the administration has closed the schools closed till further orders. IK Gujral Punjab Technical University has postponed its end-semester examinations due to unforeseen circumstances. University spokesperson stated that the exams to be held from May 8-10 have been deferred and from May 12 onwards, the examination will be conducted as per notified date sheet. The fresh date sheet will be notified shortly....