The Punjab government has officially extended winter holidays for all educational institutions across the province, responding to severe weather conditions and overwhelming public support. The decision aims to protect students’ health during an ongoing cold spell that has brought persistently low temperatures to many districts. Schools, colleges, and other educational institutions will now reopen on January 19 instead of the previously scheduled January 12.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced the decision after conducting a public survey through his official social media platform. According to the minister, the move reflects the collective will of parents, teachers, and citizens. He stated that nearly 87 percent of respondents supported reopening schools on January 19, while only 13 percent favored an earlier return. The strong response, he explained, played a decisive role in shaping the final policy.
The education minister later clarified that the extension was approved after reviewing weather forecasts and consulting disaster management authorities. He noted that the province is expected to experience an extended cold spell with extremely low temperatures in the coming week. Therefore, the government prioritized student safety over academic scheduling. He emphasized that health risks associated with harsh winter conditions cannot be ignored, especially for younger students.
Detailed poll results were also shared to ensure transparency. A total of 154,178 participants voted in favor of reopening on January 19, while 24,829 supported reopening on January 12. The minister said the numbers clearly demonstrated public consensus. As a result, the government chose a path that aligns with both public opinion and health considerations.
To ensure smooth implementation, instructions have been issued to all chief executive officers of education departments across Punjab. The minister directed them to enforce the decision uniformly in their respective districts. He stressed that consistent implementation is essential to prevent confusion among parents, teachers, and students. Clear communication, he added, remains a priority during weather-related disruptions.
The education minister described the extension as a health-focused decision shaped by public consultation. He reiterated that the provincial government remains committed to balancing educational continuity with student well-being. Policies, he said, will continue to reflect evolving ground realities rather than rigid timelines.
Interestingly, just a day earlier, the minister had dismissed circulating claims about an extension and confirmed reopening on January 12. At that time, no official notification existed, and viral reports were declared inaccurate. However, the subsequent public survey and updated weather assessments prompted a reassessment, leading to the revised reopening date.
With the new schedule in place, parents and students now have clarity as Punjab braces for another week of intense winter conditions.
