Official notification issued for revised timings in Sindh schools

KARACHI: As the cold wave tightens its grip on Sindh, the Sindh Education and Literacy Department took decisive action on Friday by announcing new timings for all private and government schools across the province, including Karachi.

Effective immediately and continuing until Wednesday, January 31, 2024, schools will commence operations at the earlier time of 8:30 am.

The announcement, outlined in a notification issued by the Sindh School Education and Literacy Department, cited the approval of the competent authority in response to the prevailing severe cold waves.

The directive applies to all government and private educational institutes under the administrative control of the department.

The latest notification form Sindh government stated, “With the approval of the competent authority in view of the prevailing waves of severe cold […] all government and private educational institutes under the administrative control of the School Education and Literacy Department shall function from 8:30 am.”

This development follows the resumption of classes in schools across Sindh on January 1, after a 10-day winter vacation break that commenced on December 22, 2023.

The announcement provides clarity on the schedule adjustment to accommodate the challenging weather conditions.

Looking ahead, the new academic year for both public and private schools across Sindh is scheduled to commence on April 15, 2024.

Meanwhile, colleges will initiate their academic sessions on August 1, 2024.

In a related context, the provincial government of Punjab, facing similar harsh weather conditions, has extended the winter holidays for public and private educational institutions until January 9.

Schools in Punjab are expected to reopen on Wednesday, January 10, with stringent measures in place, including mandatory face mask usage within school premises.

As educational institutions adapt to the challenging weather conditions, these measures aim to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff during the ongoing cold wave and smog issue.

Read next: CM Punjab on extension of winter holidays