Balochistan Announces Winter Vacations 2025

The winter season in Pakistan is fast approaching, and with it comes the announcement of annual winter vacations across various provinces. Following Punjab’s recent notification, Balochistan has officially released its winter vacation schedule for government schools, particularly in the province's colder regions. The latest updates indicate an extended break to safeguard students and teachers from harsh winter conditions that severely affect the northern and high-altitude areas of Balochistan.

Published on November 17, 2025, the provincial Education Department confirmed that educational institutions in the coldest districts will observe a two-and-a-half-month winter break starting from December 16, 2025. This routine closure is implemented each year to protect children from extreme temperatures that often drop well below freezing during the winter months.

Balochistan Schools to Close From December 16, 2025

According to the Education Department of Balochistan, schools located in cold regions will remain closed from December 16, 2025, until the end of February 2026. Students are expected to resume their academic activities in early March, depending on weather conditions and final departmental approval.

These areas include districts such as:

• Chaman

• Kalat

• Ziarat

• Killa Abdullah

• Quetta (selected zones)

• Other mountainous regions

For many years, Balochistan has followed a split academic schedule, with colder and warmer areas observing different vacation patterns due to the province’s diverse climate. The 2025–26 schedule continues that tradition.

Examinations Already Underway in Chaman

While schools are preparing for a long winter closure, annual examinations have already begun in Chaman. As per the Education Department:

• Exams for Classes 1 to 7 started on November 16, 2025, and will continue until November 24, 2025.

• Class 8 examinations, which are conducted under the Balochistan Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BBISE), will begin from November 24, 2025.

The department directed school heads to ensure that all exams are conducted smoothly and without disruption. It also advised teachers to complete assessments, report cards, and other pre-vacation academic work before the winter break begins.

Punjab Also Announces Winter Vacation Schedule

In a separate development, the Punjab School Education Department (SED) has also finalized its winter vacation dates for 2025–26. Schools across the province — both public and private — will observe winter holidays from:

• December 23, 2025, to January 11, 2026

• All institutions will reopen on January 12, 2026

Punjab experiences a shorter but moderately cold winter, prompting a less extended break compared to Balochistan. Still, the provincial government emphasizes timely completion of exams and academic activities before vacations begin.

This synchronized approach enables teachers to complete syllabus requirements and ensures students are not academically burdened when classes resume in January.

Why Winter Vacations Are Essential in Balochistan

The winter season in Balochistan is more severe compared to other provinces due to its geography. Many districts lie at high elevations, where temperatures often fall to –10°C or lower. Heavy frost, snowfall, and freezing winds make it difficult for students to attend school regularly.

The extended winter vacation schedule ensures:

• Safety of students and teachers
  Cold temperatures can lead to health problems, especially for younger children.

• Accessibility concerns
  Snowfall blocks roads, especially in mountainous districts, making travel unsafe.

• Energy limitations
  Many schools in rural areas lack heating facilities, making classrooms unsuitable for study during extreme cold.

Therefore, government authorities implement a lengthy break every year to prioritize student welfare and minimize risks.

Education Departments Urge Timely Completion of Academic Activities

In their official statements, the Education Departments of both Balochistan and Punjab instructed school administrators to:

• Finish all pre-vacation tests and exams

• Complete assessment reports and record-keeping

• Prepare home assignments or winter workbooks for students

• Ensure students are briefed about reopening dates

• Maintain communication with parents for any updates during vacations

These directives help ensure that no academic loss occurs due to the extended holidays, and that schools reopen smoothly in January and March.

Parents and Students React to the Announcement

Parents in Balochistan expressed relief that the government maintained the traditional long break instead of reducing vacation days. Many families migrate temporarily to warmer regions during the harshest winter months.

Students, meanwhile, welcomed the news with excitement, as winter vacations offer time for family gatherings, travel, and cultural celebrations such as Quetta’s winter festivals.

On the other hand, students in Punjab consider the shorter break manageable and academically balanced, especially with board examinations scheduled for early 2026.

With both Balochistan and Punjab announcing their official winter vacation schedules, educational institutions across Pakistan are preparing for seasonal closures. Balochistan’s extended two-and-a-half-month break reflects its unique geography and weather challenges, while Punjab continues with its standard winter schedule.

As temperatures continue to drop, the Education Departments emphasize timely completion of academic activities, ensuring that learning continues without disruption even during long holidays. Parents and students are advised to stay updated through official channels in case of any changes related to weather conditions.