The Punjab government has officially extended winter vacations for schools and colleges across the province after reviewing the latest weather conditions and safety concerns. The decision comes amid a prolonged cold spell and extremely low temperatures expected to affect many parts of Punjab in the coming days.
According to the announcement, all public and private educational institutions in Punjab will now reopen on January 19, 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled date.
Official Announcement by Punjab Education Minister
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat confirmed the extension in an official statement, explaining that the decision was taken on the advice of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority.
The minister stated that weather forecasts indicate extremely low temperatures next week, which could pose health risks to students, especially during early morning travel to schools and colleges.
He emphasized that the government’s top priority is the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and staff during harsh winter conditions.
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Winter Vacations Extended Till January 19
As per the official update:
- Winter vacations have been extended till January 19, 2026
- Applicable to schools and colleges across Punjab
- Decision taken due to prolonged winter spell and cold wave
- Based on PDMA weather advisories
This extension applies to both urban and rural areas of Punjab where temperatures are expected to remain unusually low.
PDMA Warning Behind the Decision
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority had earlier warned of a severe cold wave, particularly during night and early morning hours. The authority advised precautionary measures to minimize health risks, especially for children.
Following this advisory, the Punjab government decided to revise the school reopening schedule to prevent unnecessary exposure of students to extreme weather.
Government Warns Against Social Media Rumors
In recent days, multiple reports and rumors regarding changes in winter vacation schedules circulated on social media. The Punjab Education Department clarified that:
- Only official government channels should be trusted
- Any updates related to school calendars will be shared officially
- Citizens should avoid spreading unverified information
Parents, students, and teachers have been advised to rely only on authorized announcements to avoid confusion.
Advice for Parents and Students
Authorities have urged families to:
- Keep children protected from cold weather
- Avoid early morning outdoor exposure during severe cold
- Stay updated through official Punjab government notifications
The extended break also allows families to take additional safety measures during the cold spell.
Final Thoughts
The decision to extend winter vacations reflects the Punjab government’s proactive approach toward student safety during extreme weather conditions. With schools and colleges now set to reopen on January 19, 2026, parents and students are advised to stay alert, follow official updates, and avoid misinformation.
This extension ensures that education continues without compromising health and safety, especially during one of the coldest periods of the winter season.