Punjab Announces New Winter School Timings to Protect Students from Harsh Weather

In a significant development for the education sector, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced revised school timings for the upcoming winter season. The decision aims to prioritize the health, safety, and comfort of students as temperatures continue to drop across the province.

According to the minister’s announcement on his official Facebook page, all public and private schools in Punjab will now open at 8:45 a.m. and close at 1:30 p.m. under the new winter schedule. This adjustment seeks to minimize students’ exposure to cold weather during the early morning hours, ensuring a safer and more conducive learning environment.

Although an official notification from the Punjab School Education Department has not yet been issued, sources indicate that it will be released in the coming days. Once the official circular is published, the revised timings will take effect immediately across all districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi, and Gujranwala.

Rationale Behind the Timing Change

Punjab experiences sharp temperature drops from late October through February, often causing discomfort for schoolchildren during morning assemblies and commute hours. The provincial education ministry has therefore opted for a later start to the school day, mirroring similar decisions made in previous years.

Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat emphasized that the move was made “in the best interest of students,” adding that academic schedules would be adjusted to ensure learning continuity. “Our priority is to protect children from extreme weather conditions without compromising their education,” the minister stated on social media.

He further mentioned that parents, teachers, and school administrators had been requesting such a change as mornings become increasingly chilly, especially in northern and central Punjab.

Expected Notification and Implementation

The official Punjab School Education Department (SED) is expected to issue a formal notification within the next few days. Once it is released, all public and private schools under the SED’s jurisdiction will be required to implement the new timings immediately.

Education officials have also advised school heads to adjust their daily timetables, including prayer breaks, recess, and closing routines, in line with the new schedule. The government has also requested schools to ensure that classrooms remain adequately heated and ventilated to maintain a comfortable environment for students.

Previous Adjustments and Historical Context

This is not the first time the Punjab government has altered school hours during the winter months. In prior years, similar changes were introduced to help students cope with fog, low visibility, and freezing morning temperatures.

For instance, during the winters of 2022 and 2023, school timings were delayed by up to an hour when dense fog disrupted morning commutes across major highways. These adjustments have proven effective in ensuring student safety and attendance consistency throughout the season.

Parental and Public Reactions

The new timing announcement has been largely welcomed by parents and teachers across the province. Many parents expressed relief that the government had responded to their concerns about early morning cold exposure.

“I think it’s a great decision,” said Sara Ahmed, a parent from Lahore. “My children often struggle to wake up early during winter, and the cold makes it worse. Starting a bit later will help them stay healthy and focused in class.”

Teachers’ associations have also praised the move, noting that later start times can lead to better student performance and attendance during the winter months. “It’s a sensible approach,” said Muhammad Faisal, a teacher from Faisalabad. “We’ve seen how fog and cold affect punctuality. This change will make mornings easier for everyone.”

Use of Social Media for Government Announcements

Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has been increasingly active on social media platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), where he regularly shares updates regarding policy decisions, school operations, and educational reforms.

This approach has allowed the Punjab Education Department to communicate directly with parents, teachers, and students in real time, reducing misinformation and ensuring transparency. The minister’s post about the new winter timings has already gained significant engagement, with thousands of shares and comments reflecting public approval.

Broader Educational Reforms in Punjab

The announcement comes amid a series of educational reforms introduced by the Punjab government in 2025. These reforms include measures to enhance teacher training, digital learning resources, and school infrastructure across the province.

Rana Sikandar Hayat has reiterated his commitment to improving the quality of education and ensuring equitable access for all students. He has also promised that further initiatives will be introduced to support student well-being during challenging weather conditions.

Looking Ahead

As Punjab transitions into the winter months, the revised school schedule is expected to bring much-needed relief to students, parents, and teachers alike. The later start time aligns with health experts’ recommendations, who often stress the importance of adequate rest and protection from cold exposure in children.

Once the official notification is issued, all educational institutions will receive detailed implementation guidelines to maintain uniformity across the province. The government is also expected to monitor compliance and assess whether additional measures are needed as the season progresses.

With this proactive step, the Punjab Education Department continues to demonstrate its commitment to student welfare and educational excellence, balancing safety with academic continuity during the colder months.