LAHORE: Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has confirmed that the Friday Holiday in educational institutions will not be made permanent. He said the policy will be withdrawn in the coming weeks.
The minister clarified that discussions are ongoing with the federal government regarding the removal of the Friday Holiday system. He said a final decision is expected soon after consultations are completed.
According to officials, the Friday Holiday was introduced earlier as part of a revised academic schedule. It was linked to rising fuel costs during a global energy crisis.
Under this arrangement, schools, colleges, and universities reduced the weekly routine. Students were directed to attend online classes instead of physical attendance on Fridays.
The minister said the government is now reviewing the policy carefully. He added that the Friday Holiday may be fully withdrawn once approval is given by the provincial leadership.
He also addressed speculation about summer vacations. He said any decision regarding reduced holidays will be taken after May 15. Approval will depend on the chief minister’s final decision.
In a separate development, the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has already ended the Friday Holiday for government offices. This decision was approved in a cabinet meeting.
Officials said all government departments in AJK will now remain open on Fridays. Regular working hours have been restored across offices, universities, and administrative units.
The notification confirmed that the change took effect immediately. Institutions, including police and accounting offices, have been instructed to follow the new schedule.
The decision aims to improve public service delivery and reduce delays in government work. Authorities believe a full working week will increase efficiency.
With AJK already ending the Friday Holiday, Punjab is now reviewing a similar move. The final decision is expected after further government consultations.
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If approved, Punjab may soon join other regions in discontinuing the Friday Holiday system and returning to a full working week.
