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LAHORE: All public and private schools across Punjab officially began their summer vacations on Friday as the provincial government announced a three-month closure in response to the ongoing severe heatwave affecting large parts of the province.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat confirmed that educational institutions will remain closed from May 22 to August 23, 2026, and are scheduled to reopen on Monday, August 24.
The decision was taken after temperatures in several districts crossed 40 degrees Celsius, raising concerns about the health and safety of students, teachers, and school staff. Education authorities described the prolonged summer break as a precautionary measure aimed at protecting children from extreme weather conditions.
According to the official notification issued by the Punjab Education Department, the closure applies to all government and private educational institutions, including primary, elementary, secondary, and higher secondary schools throughout the province.
Parents and students largely welcomed the announcement, particularly after weeks of rising temperatures and difficult classroom conditions. Many schools in urban and rural areas had been struggling to maintain normal academic activities due to excessive heat and electricity-related challenges.
Officials said the unusually long summer vacation would provide relief to students during the peak summer season. However, parents were encouraged to keep children academically engaged during the break through reading, online learning, and revision activities to minimize learning loss over the extended holidays.
The Education Department also directed schools to complete pending administrative and academic matters before the closure and begin preparations for the next academic session, which will commence in late August.
Pakistan has been experiencing increasingly intense heatwaves in recent years, with climate experts warning that rising temperatures could continue to disrupt educational schedules and public life. Authorities have repeatedly advised citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak daytime hours, stay hydrated, and take precautionary measures against heat-related illnesses.
The latest school closure decision reflects growing concerns over climate-related challenges in the education sector, especially during the summer months when temperatures across Punjab often reach extreme levels.
