LAHORE: Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has rejected reports of a three-day school week.
The reports suggested schools could remain closed for three days weekly to conserve fuel.
The proposal was reportedly linked to fuel-saving measures amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
However, Punjab rejects the reports, saying no formal proposal has been received.
The education minister said his department had received no official notification about such a plan.
He also questioned the possible closure of schools on Fridays.
According to Hayat, closing schools for an additional day would have limited impact.
He said the measure would not significantly reduce diesel consumption or other operational expenses.
The minister also highlighted the travel patterns of students attending government schools.
He said more than 90 percent of government school students walk to school.
Therefore, most students do not depend on vehicles for their daily commute.
Hayat said a similar situation exists among students in private schools.
According to the minister, more than 90 percent of private school students also walk to school.
He argued that closing educational institutions would therefore provide limited fuel savings.
The minister has also urged the federal government to exempt the education sector.
He called for educational activities to remain protected from fuel-saving restrictions.
Hayat said any fuel conservation policy should consider the practical situation of students.
He also stressed the importance of considering the needs of educational institutions.
The minister’s comments came amid reports about possible changes to school schedules.
However, Punjab rejects any suggestion that a three-day school week has been approved.
No official decision has been issued by the provincial education department.
Schools across Punjab will continue operating under their existing schedules for now.
Students and parents have therefore been advised to follow the current school timetable.
The minister’s statement also highlighted the need for targeted fuel-saving measures.
He maintained that policies should focus on areas where they can produce meaningful savings.
According to his assessment, reducing school days would not significantly reduce fuel consumption.
The education department has not announced any changes to the weekly school schedule.
Any future change would require an official decision and notification from the relevant authorities.
For now, schools across Punjab are expected to continue their regular academic activities.
The minister’s remarks seek to clarify reports circulating about possible school closures.
Punjab rejects the reported three-day school week in the absence of any formal government proposal.
Parents and students can continue following instructions issued by their respective educational institutions.
The provincial government has also called for practical considerations when implementing fuel conservation measures.
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Further decisions regarding fuel-saving policies will depend on official directions from the relevant authorities.
