Heatstroke
Punjab is currently battling a severe heatwave that has claimed the lives of two students, prompting urgent action from the provincial government to safeguard children from further tragedy.
The intense rise in temperatures across the region has raised serious concerns about the well-being of schoolchildren, particularly in government institutions that often lack adequate cooling facilities.
According to rescue officials, the first fatality was reported in Haroonabad, where an eighth-grade student attending a government school collapsed due to a heart attack induced by extreme heat. The child could not be revived despite immediate efforts.
In a similar incident, another eighth-grade student in Mankera, near Bhakkar, also died of a heart attack while playing football under the scorching sun. Both cases have been linked directly to heat-related illnesses exacerbated by the current weather conditions.
In light of these heartbreaking events and the continuing high-temperature forecasts, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced on Tuesday that all public and private schools across Punjab would begin summer vacations early, starting from May 28.
The decision followed consultations with the provincial education department, health authorities, and other concerned officials to ensure a unified and timely response to the heat emergency.
Until the summer break officially begins, schools are instructed to operate under revised hours, with classes running from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This adjusted schedule is intended to limit students’ exposure to extreme heat, especially during the most intense hours of the day.
A senior official from the Punjab School Education Department stressed that the move was not only a logistical adjustment but a necessary step based on urgent meteorological data and health advisories. “The safety of children is our top priority. This early closure is a preventive measure to protect students from heatstroke and related health risks,” the official stated.
The provincial government’s swift response reflects growing awareness of climate-related challenges and the need for proactive measures in the education sector.
As temperatures continue to soar, public health experts are urging communities to remain vigilant, limit outdoor activities, and ensure hydration—especially for children and the elderly who are most at risk during extreme heat events.
