Cold Wave Forces Major School Schedule Changes in Punjab and Sindh
Pakistan is currently experiencing an intense cold spell that has prompted provincial governments in Punjab and Sindh to take decisive action regarding educational schedules. Extremely low temperatures over the past few days, coupled with persistent fog and winter conditions, have raised safety concerns for millions of students. As a result, authorities in both provinces have either extended winter vacations or adjusted school routines in an effort to protect children and staff from harsh weather conditions.
Punjab Extends Winter Vacations Amid Severe Weather
In Punjab, the provincial government announced a significant extension of winter vacations for all public and private schools until January 19, 2026. The decision was made following recommendations from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and in response to forecasts predicting continued severe cold conditions across the region.
Punjab’s Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat, said the decision to prolong the break was taken to ensure student safety as extremely low temperatures are expected in the coming days. Earlier in the week, there had been confusion on social media concerning the reopening date, with fake notifications circulating that inaccurately reported extended closures. The minister publicly rejected these rumours, reiterating the government’s commitment to making evidence-based decisions.
To gauge public opinion on the reopening date, the education minister even launched a poll on his social media account, asking whether schools should resume on January 12 or January 19. A majority of respondents voted in favour of the later date, which coincided with the government’s official decision.
Higher Education Also Adjusts Academic Calendar
In addition to school closures, the Punjab Higher Education Department also issued a notification extending winter vacations for colleges. The break for higher education institutions, originally scheduled to end earlier in January, has now been prolonged until January 16, with academic activities resuming on January 19.
Despite these adjustments, the department clarified that BS four-year programmes will continue to operate during this period, and that examinations will proceed according to previously announced schedules. This move ensures minimal disruption for students in advanced degree programmes while prioritising health and safety at the school level.
Sindh Implements Adjusted School Timings
Meanwhile in Sindh, authorities have opted for a different approach to cope with cold weather. Rather than extending the vacation period, the provincial government announced adjusted school timings for all public and private educational institutions under the administrative control of the School Education and Literacy Department.
Under the new schedule, schools will open at 9 a.m. until January 26, 2026, allowing students to travel during the relatively warmer hours of the morning. The closing times for schools, however, will remain unchanged. This adjustment aims to reduce students’ exposure to pre-dawn cold and dense fog conditions that have plagued several districts.
The decision was taken after consultation between Sindh’s Education Minister, Syed Sardar Ali Shah, and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, reflecting a coordinated strategy to balance academic continuity with weather-related safety concerns.
Fog and Cold Forecasts Raise Safety Concerns
The Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a weather advisory warning that cold, dry conditions with night-time temperatures as low as 9°C could persist across Sindh. Moderate to dense fog is also forecast in areas such as Sukkur, Rohri, Shikarpur, Kashmore, and Shaheed Benazirabad, raising concerns over road visibility and student travel.
Parents and school administrators welcomed the government’s proactive steps, acknowledging that student health and safety must come first during extreme weather events. Teachers also noted that the later school start time in Sindh would help reduce commuting risks in cold and foggy mornings.
Official Clarifications Amid Confusion
Prior to the official announcements, misinformation regarding school closures had spread widely on social media, causing confusion among parents. One fake notification purported that schools would remain closed until January 17, but authorities clarified that this misinformation did not originate from any official department.
The government emphasised that accurate, verified information will be shared through authorised channels, urging the public to avoid unverified sources that could lead to unnecessary panic or misunderstanding.
Regional Cooperation on Weather Response
Education and disaster management officials from both provinces underscored the importance of coordinated responses to extreme weather. By sharing data and forecasts from meteorological departments, authorities aimed to proactively safeguard student communities and educational institutions alike.
What Parents Need to Know
- Punjab schools and colleges will remain closed until January 19, 2026.
- Higher educational institutions will operate from January 16, 2026, with final exams continuing as scheduled.
- Sindh schools will open daily from 9 a.m. until January 26, 2026.
Parents are advised to monitor weather updates and official notifications before planning commutes, especially in fog-prone areas.
