Punjab Faces Harsh Cold Weather, Parents Request Delay in School Reopening

Punjab Faces Harsh Cold Weather, Parents Request Delay in School Reopening

A severe and persistent cold wave has tightened its icy grip across the major urban centers of Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala , casting a shadow of anxiety over millions of households. The looming end of winter vacations, with educational institutions scheduled to reopen imminently next week, has ignited a pressing public debate. With meteorological forecasts warning of intensifying cold, a growing chorus of parents and citizens is urgently calling upon the provincial government to intervene either by extending the winter holidays or mandating relaxed school timings to prioritize child health and safety.

Met Office Predicts Further Dip in Mercury

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has confirmed the severity of the ongoing weather pattern. Officials attribute the conditions to the sustained influence of dry, continental air over the plains of Punjab. The department forecasts no immediate respite, predicting a further increase in the intensity of the cold in the coming days. Residents should brace for continued cold winds , dense morning fog , and low temperatures , particularly in northern regions like Rawalpindi. Minimum temperatures are currently struggling between 2°C to 6°C in most cities , with wind chill making conditions feel even harsher, especially in the early morning hours.

Parental Anxiety Peaks: "A Genuine Health Risk"

The stark weather warnings have translated into deep concern on the ground. For parents, the scheduled return to school is now viewed through the lens of potential health hazards.

"It is very difficult to send children to school early in the morning in this severe weather," said Muhammad Asif, a father of three in Rawalpindi. "The fog makes commuting dangerous, and the cold is simply piercing. We are not just talking about comfort; we are talking about preventing serious illness."

This sentiment is echoed widely. Parents highlight the risk of respiratory infections, flu, pneumonia, and frostbite, emphasizing that young children are especially vulnerable. Many argue that the government’s policy should demonstrate flexibility in the face of such natural adversity, just as it sometimes does during extreme summer heat.

Calls for Official Intervention: Extend Holidays or Relax Timings

The demands from the public are clear and twofold. First, there is a strong appeal for an official, province-wide extension of the winter holidays by a few more days, hoping the cold wave will subside. Second, if reopening is imperative, parents and teacher associations plead for a directive to all public and private institutions to significantly delay their morning start times.

"Prioritizing the health and safety of children is extremely important," stated Ayesha Khalid, a school teacher and mother in Lahore. "A simple step like pushing school start times to 9:30 or 10:00 AM would make a world of difference. It allows the sun to warm the air a little and the fog to lift, making the journey to school safer and healthier."

Government in a Bind: No Official Announcement Yet

Despite the escalating appeals, no official announcement has been made at the government level yet regarding the review of the decision. The provincial education departments appear to be adhering to the pre-published academic calendar, leaving school administrations, parents, and students in a state of uncertainty. This silence is amplifying anxiety, as schools require clear, timely guidance to inform their staff and student bodies.

The situation puts school principals in a difficult position, caught between regulatory compliance and legitimate parental concern. "We are waiting for a circular from the authorities," shared the principal of a well-known school in Lahore, preferring not to be named. "A unified decision is needed to avoid confusion and ensure no student is disadvantaged."

A Question of Responsive Governance

The current scenario presents a clear test of responsive governance. Citizens argue that given the explicit warnings from the Met Department and the unanimous concern from stakeholders, the government must take an appropriate decision immediately . The precedent for weather-related academic adjustments exists, reinforcing public expectation for action.

"As the cold persists, the government will have to listen," commented social activist Hina Javed. "This is about practical welfare. We adjust work-from-home policies for smog; we should adjust school policies for life-threatening cold. It's a matter of common sense and compassion."

The Countdown Begins

With the clock ticking towards the scheduled reopening , all are waitting for the Punjab government and the Chief Minister’s secretariat for a decisive move. A proactive announcement could alleviate widespread worry and protect public health, while a delayed or absent response may force parents into a difficult choice between education and their child's wellbeing.

The bitter cold across Punjab is more than a weather update; it has become a pressing civic issue, challenging authorities to balance academic continuity with an undeniable duty of care. The province waits, watching the thermometer and hoping for a warm response from its leadership.