Update on Punjab School’s Winter Break and Reopening in 2026
As the province struggles with a harsh winter, the Punjab School Education Department (SED) has published a thorough update on the state of educational institutions. Parents, instructors, and children are all facing difficult circumstances due to the combination of a strong cold wave and thick fog.
In order to protect the safety of the academic community, the provincial administration is keeping a careful eye on weather patterns as temperatures drop and road visibility declines.
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Current Winter Vacation Status
Currently, all public and private schools across Punjab are observing their winter break. According to the existing official notification, the holidays are scheduled to conclude on January 11, 2026. This means that, as per the current standing orders, schools are expected to resume regular academic activities on Monday, January 12, 2026.
However, the government has acknowledged the public concern regarding the harsh weather and is prepared to adjust these dates if the environmental conditions pose a risk to student health.
Potential Extension Through January 18
A further one-week delay that would push the reopening date to January 18, 2026, is being discussed.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department and the School Education Department are working together, even though no formal announcement for such an extension has yet been signed. The following environmental triggers will determine if a further delay is necessary:
• Visibility levels on major roads and highways are falling below 50 meters during morning hours.
• Record-low temperatures could result in cold-related illnesses among children.
• Dense smog layers are affecting air quality and outdoor safety.
• A high-level review meeting is scheduled for the end of this week, with parents and students advised to monitor official government channels for an announcement by Friday evening.
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New Reopening Operational Guidelines
The Punjab administration has implemented several modifications to school operations in order to adapt to the winter circumstances. Once classes resume, these procedures will be carefully enforced:
• Schools will open no earlier than 9:30 AM to mitigate risks from morning fog and cold temperatures.
• Educational institutions are to close by 2:30 PM to ensure students can travel home safely before evening fog.
• The government allows students to wear any warm clothing for protection, relaxing standard uniform requirements.
• School transport providers are required to use fog lights and adhere to controlled speeds during low visibility conditions.
Tips for Health and Safety
The provincial government and medical professionals have released a number of advisories to shield pupils from the weather. It is strongly advised that kids use face masks to block off pollutants and chilly air. Additionally, parents are urged to dress their children in several layers, especially if they are riding motorbikes.
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In conclusion
Punjab schools are still scheduled to reopen on Monday, January 12, 2026. The School Education Department insists that a final decision would depend on how severe the fog and cold are over the weekend, despite ongoing rumors of an additional extension until January 18.
While preparing for any formal announcements regarding a timetable adjustment, students should continue to be attentive with their winter study.
FAQs
1. What is the official date for schools to reopen in Punjab?
The current official reopening date is January 12, 2026. However, this is subject to change based on a weather review scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
2. Will the 9:30 AM start time apply to private schools as well?
Yes, the revised timings are mandatory for all public and private educational institutions across the province to ensure uniform safety standards.
3. Is the uniform relaxation policy valid for the entire winter season?
The relaxation is specifically intended for the duration of the extreme cold wave. Schools have been directed not to penalize students for wearing non-uniform warm clothing during this period.