Extended Winter Vacations Started From Today Till January 18th, 2026

Extended Winter Vacations Started From Today Till January 18th, 2026

The Government of Punjab has officially extended the winter vacations for all public and private educational institutions across the province, directing schools to remain closed until January 18th, 2026 , in response to an imminent severe cold wave . The decisive move, prioritizing student and staff safety, means academic activities will now resume on Monday, January 19th, 2026. However the colleges and universities resume their academic activities from today.

The announcement was made by Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat in an official statement released earlier today. Minister Hayat clarified that the decision was not taken lightly but was a necessary, proactive measure based on explicit warnings from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) .

Directive Rooted in Safety Concerns

“The government has acted decisively on the expert advice of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority,” stated Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat. “The PDMA has warned of a prolonged cold spell and extremely low temperatures expected to grip the province next week. Our foremost responsibility is the safety and well-being of our students.”

The minister confirmed that the extension is a blanket policy applying to all tiers of education. “To protect our young generation from the severe weather conditions, all educational institutions schools will remain closed. They will now reopen for regular academic and examination activities on January 19th, 2026,” he added.

This uniform directive aims to prevent confusion and ensure compliance across Punjab’s vast educational landscape, encompassing major cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, and Gujranwala, as well as rural and mountainous regions which often bear the brunt of harsh winter conditions.

PDMA’s Warning: A Prolonged and Intense Cold Spell

According to PDMA advisories circulated to all relevant departments, a significant drop in mercury is forecasted for the coming week. The authority predicts dense fog, frost, and daytime temperatures remaining significantly below seasonal averages, particularly in northern and central districts of Punjab. Such conditions pose serious health risks, especially to children and adolescents traveling to and from educational institutions.

The PDMA alert highlighted risks of hypothermia and respiratory illnesses exacerbated by cold, damp weather. It also flagged concerns regarding visibility issues due to fog, making commutes hazardous for students using bicycles, motorcycles, or school transport.

Educational Institutions and Parents Respond

The announcement has been largely met with understanding and relief by parent bodies and school administrations. “While academic continuity is important, child safety is paramount,” said Ayesha Khan, a parent from Lahore. “The early announcement helps us plan accordingly and keeps our children safe from potential health hazards during this intense cold.”

School principals and administrative heads have begun notifying parents and staff through official channels, SMS alerts, and social media. Many private school associations have confirmed they will adhere to the government directive, ensuring uniformity.

Impact on Academic Calendars and Examinations

The one-week extension is expected to cause a reshuffling of terminal examinations and academic schedules that were slated for mid-January. The Punjab Education Ministry has assured that guidelines for adjusting the examination schedules will be issued separately to the relevant boards and universities to minimize disruption.

Minister Hayat urged all educational boards to prepare revised date sheets that account for the lost week. “We are conscious of the academic timeline. Our departments will work with examination boards to ensure a smooth transition when classes restart,” he stated.

A Precedent for Weather-Responsive Policy

This decision marks a continued shift towards more responsive and student-centric governance in the face of climate variability. In recent years, provincial governments have increasingly factored in extreme weather events, including heatwaves and smog, into academic scheduling.

Environmental and child rights advocates have praised the move. “This is a responsible step that places the health of students above rigid calendar adherence,” commented Dr. Farah Naz, a child health specialist. “Extreme cold can be as dangerous as extreme heat, and young children are particularly vulnerable.”

Logistics and Preparations for Reopening

As per the directive, all educational institutions are expected to utilize the extended closure period to ensure campuses are prepared for the colder weather upon reopening. This may include checks on heating systems, availability of warm water, and ensuring classrooms are adequately sealed against the cold.

The government has also advised parents to ensure children remain indoors as much as possible during the cold spell, dress in warm layers, and be mindful of health symptoms related to cold exposure.

Looking Ahead: Classes Resume January 19th, 2026

Barring any further unexpected developments in weather patterns, the province’s educational machinery is set to spring back to life on Monday, January 19th, 2026 . All students, teachers, and staff are expected to return on that date as the second academic term gets underway.

The Punjab Education Ministry has stated it will continue to monitor weather updates from the PDMA and the Met Office and will issue further instructions if necessary. However, the current plan remains firmly set for a full return on the 19th.