Punjab government has officially extended winter vacations for all schools and colleges till 19 January, keeping in view the sudden and severe change in weather conditions across the province.
Punjab’s Minister for Education, Rana Sikandar Hayat, announced that educational institutions were earlier scheduled to reopen on 11 January, but the decision was revised due to an intense cold wave affecting the region.
In recent days, Punjab has been facing extreme winter conditions, including a sharp drop in temperature, which in some areas has fallen as low as 3°C. The situation has been further worsened by dense fog, causing extremely low visibility on roads and leading to an increased risk of traffic accidents.
The government stated that the primary purpose of extending winter vacations is to protect children from seasonal illnesses such as flu, pneumonia, and other cold-related diseases that tend to spread rapidly during harsh weather.
Officials emphasized that the safety and health of students remain the top priority. Parents have also welcomed the decision, calling it a timely step considering the prevailing weather conditions.
According to the notification, all schools and colleges across Punjab will now reopen on 19 January, provided that weather conditions improve.
The Punjab government has advised citizens to take precautionary measures during foggy conditions and avoid unnecessary travel, especially during early morning and late-night hours.