The Punjab government has decided to extend the winter holidays in educational institutions by one week, citing extreme cold and the health of students as the main reasons. Schools are now scheduled to reopen on January 19.
The decision was announced by the Provincial Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat, who said the extension was based on public consultation through a social media survey. Around 87 percent of respondents supported delaying the reopening, while 13 percent favored January 12. According to the survey, 154,178 votes were cast for January 19, compared to 24,829 votes for January 12.
The Education Minister directed all district CEOs to ensure effective implementation of the extended holiday schedule.
However, the All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association rejected the extension, stating that students have already suffered significant academic disruption. The association announced that private schools will reopen on January 12 as originally planned.
The Meteorological Department has forecast that temperatures are expected to moderate by next week, easing the intensity of the winter season.