Intense heat wave: Punjab schools summer holidays from May 22

LAHORE: Due to the ongoing heat wave in Punjab, the provincial government has decided on early summer holidays in schools throughout the province.

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has declared early summer holidays for all public and private educational institutions starting from May 22 instead of June 1 as earlier notified.

Announcing the decision, Rana Sikandar Hayat emphasized in a video message the importance of student health and safety during the current heat wave.

He said parents were asked for feedback about the holidays, and 96 per cent of them demanded summer vacation start this week. 

“The wellbeing of our students is our top priority. Given the extreme temperatures, it is crucial to take preventive measures to ensure their safety,” he stated. 

Most parts of country to remain in grip of heatwave for next ten days

He announced summer holidays in all Punjab public and private schools would start May 22. “The decision will not be applied to the schools where exams are being held,” the minister said. Schools holding exams have been granted conditional permission to remain open solely for the purpose of completing these assessments, he added.

The notification regarding the early summer holidays in Punjab schools will be released today or tomorrow, according to the education minister.

Earlier, due to the severe heat wave sweeping across Punjab, the provincial government announced summer vacation from June 1 to August 14. 

Due to the intense heat school timings were supposed to remain open from 7am to 11:30am. This schedule will apply from Monday to Thursday. The decision was made in response to the escalating heat, with the aim of minimizing exposure to the harsh midday sun.