The Punjab government has officially announced an extension in winter vacations for all public and private schools and colleges across the province due to severe cold weather conditions. This decision was taken to protect students’ health and safety as temperatures continue to drop in many areas. The announcement has brought clarity after days of confusion caused by circulating rumors on social media.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat confirmed that the winter break has been extended by one week. He explained that the decision was made after carefully reviewing weather reports and considering the well-being of students, especially those who travel early in the morning in extreme cold conditions.
Reason Behind the Winter Vacation Extension
The main reason for the extension is the ongoing cold snap affecting Punjab. According to the education minister, weather conditions have become harsher than expected, which could negatively impact students’ health. Cold mornings, fog, and low temperatures make it risky for children and young students to commute to educational institutions. Based on these concerns, the provincial government decided that extending holidays was the safest option for everyone involved.
Public Opinion and Survey Results
The Punjab government also conducted a public survey to gather opinions from parents and citizens regarding school reopening.
- About 87% of participants supported extending winter vacations
- Around 13% favored reopening schools on January 12
- A total of 154,178 votes were cast in favor of reopening on January 19
- Only 24,829 votes supported reopening on January 12
These results played an important role in shaping the final decision.
Updated Winter Vacation Schedule
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Province | Punjab |
| Institutions | Schools & Colleges |
| Winter Break Start | December 22, 2025 |
| Earlier End Date | January 11, 2026 |
| New Reopening Date | January 19, 2026 |
Official Instructions to Education Authorities
The education minister has directed all chief executive officers (CEOs) of district education authorities to strictly implement the decision in their respective areas.
- Ensure no school or college reopens before January 19
- Inform parents and staff about the updated schedule
- Monitor compliance in both public and private institutions
These instructions aim to ensure uniform implementation across the province.
Clarification on Fake Notifications
A day before the official announcement, the education minister had rejected rumors about holiday extensions and clarified that viral notifications on social media were fake. He emphasized that all official decisions are shared only through authorized government channels. Parents and students were advised not to trust screenshots, forwarded messages, or unverified posts, as they often create unnecessary confusion.
Impact on Students and Parents
The extension provides relief to parents who were concerned about sending their children to school in extreme cold. Students now have additional time to stay safe at home and avoid health risks associated with low temperatures. Schools and colleges can also better prepare for reopening once weather conditions improve.
Conclusion:
In this article, we are sharing all the details about the Punjab government’s decision to extend winter vacations for schools and colleges. Due to severe cold weather, student health concerns, and strong public support, winter holidays have been officially extended, and educational institutions will now reopen on January 19, 2026. Parents, students, and teachers should rely only on official announcements and avoid believing unverified information shared on social media.
This article is for informational purposes only. SmartFixers.pk is not an official government website and is not affiliated with any government department. Readers are advised to verify all information from official government sources before taking any action.
Our editorial team publishes original and informational content for educational purposes only.
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