The provincial authorities announced on Monday winter vacations for schools across Punjab.

Secretary of Schools Punjab Khalid Nazir Wattoo confirmed the dates in an official statement, stating that schools will observe a 20-day winter break during this period - from December 20, 2024, and will last until January 10, 2025.

The announcement comes as the region prepares for the colder months, with students and parents awaiting the school holiday schedule.

The winter vacations will apply to all public and private educational institutions in the province, providing a much-needed break ahead of the new year.

During this period, schools will be closed, and no academic activities will be held.

Schools ordered to provide transport for students

Earlier in the day, the Lahore High Court (LHC) directed schools across Punjab to arrange transport facilities for students following the winter vacations as part of efforts to combat smog.

Justice Shahid Karim issued the order in a three-page written judgment addressing petitions filed by citizen Haroon Farooq and others on the worsening smog crisis.

The court instructed the School Education Department to issue final notices to schools, ensuring compliance with the transport mandate. It warned that educational institutions failing to adhere to the directive would face immediate sealing.

The provision of transport is expected to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads, a significant contributor to air pollution.

In its written order, the LHC acknowledged the Punjab government’s ongoing measures to tackle pollution and smog.