Punjab government dismisses social media claims as false; action taken against private schools violating official winter vacation schedule.
Confusion spread across Punjab after reports on social media claimed that the provincial government was considering an extension in winter holidays for schools and colleges due to ongoing cold weather conditions. However, the Punjab government has categorically denied any such move.
Clarifying the situation, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said reports about extending winter vacations were false and misleading, urging parents and students to rely only on official government notifications.
He confirmed that all public and private educational institutions across Punjab will reopen on January 12, 2026, as previously scheduled.
Speculation regarding a possible holiday extension gained traction after the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued warnings about severe winter conditions in several parts of the country. The alerts raised concerns among parents over early-morning school timings and student safety.
Earlier, the Punjab Education Department had officially announced winter vacations from December 22, 2025, to January 10, 2026, for all public and private schools and colleges. Despite this, reports emerged that several private schools resumed classes prematurely, allegedly informing students via WhatsApp messages.
In response, the District Education Authority (DEA) launched enforcement action against violators. According to officials, three private schools in Lahore—located in Shahdara, Bedian Road, and Sabzazar—were sealed for reopening before the official end of winter holidays. The principals of the schools have also been summoned for violating government directives.
The Punjab Education Minister reiterated that no private school is allowed to operate before the official reopening date, warning that strict action will be taken against any institution found defying government orders. He added that the concerned Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Education would be held responsible for immediate enforcement.
