In response to the severe heat wave, the Punjab School Education Department has once again revised the schedule for summer holidays in public and private schools across the province.
According to a notification, all government and private schools of Punjab, including Lahore, will be closed from May 25 now. Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said a large number of private schools contacted the government regarding early summer holidays.
He said the private schools holding examinations have been allowed to open this week, adding that the severity of heat was intense next week. The education department consulted the PDMA, after which it was decided to begin the summer holidays at schools from May 25.
Earlier, the minister announced early summer holidays for all public and private educational institutions starting from May 22. Announcing the decision, Rana Sikandar Hayat emphasized in a video message the importance of student health and safety during the current heat wave. He said parents were asked for feedback about the holidays, and 96% of them demanded summer vacation start this week.
"The wellbeing of our students is our top priority. Given the extreme temperatures, it is crucial to take preventive measures to ensure their safety," he stated.
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He had announced summer vacations in all public and private schools would start May 22. "The decision will not be applied to the schools where exams are being held," the minister said. Schools holding exams have been granted conditional permission to remain open solely for the purpose of completing these assessments, he added.
Earlier, due to the severe heat wave sweeping across Punjab, the provincial government announced summer vacation from June 1 to August 14. According to the notification, schools across Punjab will open on August 15 and the decision will apply to both government and private schools.
Another notification had announced a change in the operational hours of educational institutions to protect students and staff from the extreme temperatures.
According to the notification, schools were supposed to remain open from 7am to 11:30am. This schedule will apply from Monday to Thursday. The decision was made in response to the escalating heat, with the aim of minimizing exposure to the harsh midday sun.
