LAHORE: The Punjab government on Saturday announced a one-week extension in winter vacations for all public and private educational institutions across the province due to cold weather.
Punjab Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat said the decision was taken keeping in view the severe weather conditions and the health of students. He added that the extension was supported by the majority in a public survey.
According to the minister, about 87 per cent of people who took part in the survey favoured extending the holidays, while nearly 13 per cent supported reopening schools on January 12. Official figures showed that 154,178 votes were cast in favour of reopening institutions on January 19, while 24,829 votes supported reopening on January 12.
The education minister directed all chief executive officers (CEOs) to ensure the decision is implemented in their respective districts.
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Speaking to a private TV channel, Hayat confirmed that the extension applies to all educational institutions.
A day earlier, the minister had rejected reports about the extension and said schools and colleges would reopen on January 12. He had also clarified that a notification circulating on social media about extended holidays was fake.
Winter vacations in Punjab’s public and private schools began on December 22, 2025, and were earlier scheduled to end on January 11.
