The Punjab government is reviewing the possibility of extending winter vacations in schools due to ongoing cold weather. Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat convened a meeting on Saturday to assess the situation. The move follows growing demands from parents and teachers across the province.
As temperatures continue to fall, concerns about children’s health have increased. Parents and teachers have urged authorities to extend winter vacations to protect students from severe cold and fog. Many believe young children are especially vulnerable during the current weather conditions.
Social media reports have also claimed that winter vacations may be extended by one week. However, no official decision has been announced so far. Education department sources confirmed that the minister called a meeting at 3:00 pm to review the situation in detail.
According to officials, reports from the Pakistan Meteorological Department will play a key role in the final decision. Weather forecasts indicate continued cold and dry conditions across most parts of the country. Very cold temperatures are expected in hilly regions.
Speaking on the issue, Rana Sikandar Hayat said the health and safety of children remain the government’s top priority. He confirmed that parents have formally requested an extension due to the intensity of the cold. He added that any decision will be made after careful review of weather conditions.
The minister also clarified misinformation circulating online. A day earlier, he rejected claims suggesting that winter vacations had already been extended. In a statement posted on X, he said all schools and colleges will reopen on January 12, Monday, as previously scheduled.
“There is no extension in winter vacations for educational institutions in Punjab at this stage,” he stated. He emphasized that only an official notification should be considered valid.
Meanwhile, the Met Office has warned of moderate to dense fog in Punjab, upper Sindh, and plain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Frost is also likely in parts of Potohar and Kashmir during early mornings.
An official notification will be issued after the meeting if any changes are approved. Until then, schools are expected to reopen as planned.
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