LAHORE: The Punjab government has officially announced an extension of winter vacations for all educational institutions across the province for one additional week. According to the provincial Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat, schools and colleges will now reopen on Monday, January 19, 2026.
The decision was made following a significant drop in temperatures and the onset of a severe cold wave accompanied by dense fog. Speaking on the matter, the Education Minister emphasized that the health and safety of students are the government’s top priorities.
“The decision to extend the holidays has been taken in view of the intensity of the weather and to protect the health of our students,” said Rana Sikandar Hayat.
The extension follows a period of public consultation, including a social media poll where a vast majority of parents and teachers supported a delayed reopening to avoid exposing children to the peak winter chill. Previously, educational institutions were scheduled to resume classes on January 12.
All public and private schools, as well as colleges, are directed to follow the revised schedule. District education authorities have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the new dates across all districts of Punjab. The School Education Department of Punjab has issued the official notification in this regard.
