Winter Vacations Extended in Punjab: Schools Remain Closed Until Jan 7

"Parents and students take note: The winter break is not over yet. Due to harsh weather conditions, the reopening of schools has been delayed by another few days."

LAHORE (Jan 03, 2026) – In response to the intensifying cold wave and dense fog blanketing the province, the Punjab School Education Department (SED) has officially extended the winter holidays for all public and private schools.

As per the notification issued earlier this week, educational institutions across Punjab will now remain closed until Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Why Was the Extension Necessary?

The decision comes after consultation with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and health officials. Temperatures in major cities like Lahore and Faisalabad have dropped significantly, with visibility on roads reducing to near zero in the early hours.

"The safety of our children is paramount," stated the Provincial Education Minister. "Traveling to school in zero visibility is dangerous, and the extreme cold poses a risk of pneumonia and flu among younger students."

Instructions for Schools & Parents

The notification strictly advises all schools to adhere to the new schedule. Any institution found violating these orders faces heavy fines or cancellation of registration.

For Students:

• Use this extra time to complete any pending winter vacation homework.
• Stay indoors during early morning and late night hours to avoid exposure to the smog.
• Revise your syllabus, as annual exams are approaching fast.

For Parents:

Parents are urged to ensure their children wear warm layers, hats, and masks if they need to go outside. The heavy fog often carries pollutants that can be harmful to respiratory health.

What About Colleges and Universities?

Currently, this notification applies specifically to schools (primary to higher secondary level). Colleges and universities usually follow their own independent schedules or directives from the Higher Education Department (HED). Students in higher education should check with their respective institutions for updates.

Stay tuned to MN News for any further updates regarding weather conditions and school timings.