Government extends summer break till August 31 to protect students and staff from extreme weather
LAHORE – August 8, 2025:
The Punjab government has officially announced an extension of summer vacations across all public and private schools in the province. As per the latest directive from Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, schools will now remain closed until August 31, with classes scheduled to resume from September 1, 2025.
The decision was prompted by persistent extreme heat and severe weather conditions that have continued to impact various regions of the province. With temperatures consistently exceeding safe levels for outdoor activity, authorities deemed it necessary to take proactive measures to safeguard the health of students, teachers, and school staff.
Early Start to Holidays Due to Heatwave
Originally, the summer vacation period was scheduled to begin on June 1, but the Education Department moved the start date to May 28 after a dangerous heatwave swept through Punjab. The move was welcomed by parents and teachers at the time. However, with weather conditions showing no signs of significant improvement even into August, the government has opted to further extend the break.
Clarification on Fake Notification
The Education Department also addressed the confusion caused by a fake school closure notification that had been circulating widely on social media platforms earlier this week. Officials have clarified that the previously viral document was not authentic, and advised the public to follow only verified channels such as the official Education Department website or government social media pages for updates.
Speaking to the media, Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat emphasized that the health and safety of children must remain the top priority. “We are closely monitoring the climate patterns and consulting with health and education experts. Our goal is to ensure that when students return, it is under safe and stable conditions,” he stated.
Parents Welcome Decision, Raise Academic Concerns
The extended holidays have been met with mixed reactions. Many parents expressed relief, grateful that their children will not be exposed to heat-related illnesses like heatstroke or dehydration. On the other hand, some have voiced concerns over how the additional month off will affect academic progress, particularly in the lead-up to term exams and board assessments.
A mother of two from Faisalabad noted, “We appreciate the government’s concern for our children’s safety, but I also worry about how schools will manage to complete the syllabus on time. Online classes could be an option.”
In response to such concerns, education officials have stated that adjusted academic schedules, compensatory classes, and flexible learning plans are currently under discussion. Additional instructions are expected to be shared with school administrators in the coming weeks.
Schools Advised to Remain in Contact with Authorities
The Education Department has urged all schools to stay in coordination with their local district education offices for further instructions regarding reopening protocols, revised calendars, and safety guidelines. Schools are also being advised to ensure that cooling measures, adequate hydration, and health facilities are ready when they reopen in September.
As the climate crisis continues to impact everyday life in Pakistan, the move underscores the government’s increasing recognition of environmental factors in policymaking, especially in the education sector.
