Punjab Schools to Retain Saturday Holiday Amid Winter Schedule Changes

Punjab Schools to Retain Saturday Holiday Amid Winter Schedule Changes

The Punjab Education Department has officially clarified that all government schools across the province will continue to observe Saturday as a weekly holiday, despite ongoing rumors suggesting otherwise. The clarification comes as the department prepares to implement the winter schedule for schools, set to take effect from October 20, 2025, and remain in place until March 2026.

As temperatures begin to drop with the onset of winter, the department is updating school timings to better suit seasonal conditions. However, contrary to social media speculation, the Saturday holiday remains unchanged, and the school week will continue to follow the Monday to Friday format.

No Change in Weekly Holidays, Confirms Education Minister

Punjab's Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat, addressed the growing concern among parents, students, and teachers regarding reports that Saturdays would no longer be observed as off days. The minister confirmed that the provincial government has no plans to alter the weekly holiday schedule, and all public schools will continue to remain closed on Saturdays.

"Saturday will remain a holiday for schools. The winter schedule only pertains to daily school timings, not the number of working days per week," he said in a public statement.

New Winter Timings Coming Into Effect

While the number of school days remains unchanged, the school hours will be adjusted to accommodate the colder weather. These revised timings are aimed at ensuring students are not exposed to early morning cold, which can pose health risks and reduce attendance rates.

The revised winter schedule is being finalized and will be implemented across the province from October 20. It is expected that schools will begin slightly later in the morning and may close earlier in the afternoon to ensure the safety and comfort of both students and staff.

Online Rumors Spark Confusion

The confusion began earlier this week when several social media posts went viral, suggesting that the Punjab government was planning to abolish the Saturday holiday. These unverified reports sparked anxiety among students and backlash from parents and teachers, who expressed concern over the potential increase in weekly academic pressure.

In response, the Education Department was quick to clarify that no such decision has been made, and the policy regarding the Saturday holiday remains intact. The department urged citizens to rely only on official government channels for accurate information regarding school policies.

Stakeholders Welcome Clarification

The announcement has been welcomed by education stakeholders across the province. Teachers expressed relief, noting that Saturdays are often used for rest, professional development, or administrative planning.

"Saturday gives both teachers and students a much-needed break. It helps us plan lessons more effectively and maintain a work-life balance," said a public school teacher in Lahore.

Parents also voiced their satisfaction, stating that a six-day academic week could negatively impact children’s mental and physical well-being.

"Kids already have long school hours and homework throughout the week. Taking away Saturday would only add to their stress," commented a parent from Rawalpindi.

Saturday Holiday Policy: Background

The policy to observe Saturday as a weekly holiday in Punjab's government schools was introduced to provide better work-life balance and enhance teacher efficiency. It also aligned the province with educational policies in other parts of the country and was widely appreciated by teachers’ unions and parent associations.

Since its implementation, the Saturday holiday has become an important part of the academic calendar, allowing for rest and planning without compromising learning outcomes.

What’s Changing This Winter?

Although the weekly school calendar remains the same, daily school timings will change from October 20. The revised winter timings will ensure that schools start later in the morning, once the temperature becomes bearable, especially for younger students.

The new timings will be communicated to all schools via official notification. School principals and administrators will be responsible for informing parents and updating school notices accordingly.

The Education Department emphasized that these adjustments are temporary and will last only for the winter session, expected to end in March 2026. Normal timings will resume after the winter season ends.

Parents Advised to Follow Official Notifications

The Education Department has advised all parents and guardians to stay updated through official school announcements and government websites. It has also urged the public to ignore fake news and avoid sharing unverified information on social platforms.

"Spreading misinformation only creates panic. We request everyone to wait for official circulars before making any assumptions," a senior department official stated.

The Bottom Line

To summarize:

• Saturday remains a weekly holiday in all Punjab government schools.

• The winter school schedule will begin on October 20, 2025, and continue through March 2026.

• Only daily school timings are being adjusted to suit the winter season.

• There is no increase in the number of academic days per week.

• Official notifications regarding the revised timings will be issued shortly.

The Punjab Education Department's timely response has helped clear confusion and reassure both educators and families that student well-being and quality education remain top priorities as the province transitions into the winter season.