Lahore — The Punjab government has extended school summer vacations until September 1, delaying the reopening originally planned for mid-August, in response to the ongoing heatwave across the province.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced the decision on Thursday, stressing that the move aims to safeguard the health of students and teachers. “In view of the extreme weather conditions and rising temperatures, the summer break has been extended to ensure the health and safety of students and teachers,” he said in an official statement.
The notification for the revised schedule will be issued shortly. The minister said the decision followed requests from parents, school administrations, and health experts urging a delay due to persistent hot weather.
Punjab has seen record-breaking temperatures this year, with some areas crossing 45°C in July. The Meteorological Department has warned that high temperatures will persist through August, particularly in southern districts like Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Multan.
Doctors have cautioned that children are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heatstroke. School education department officials confirmed that the academic calendar will be adjusted to make up for the lost time, possibly by holding extra classes or shortening winter vacations.
Parents largely welcomed the move. “It’s a relief to know the government is prioritising our children’s health,” said Asma Tariq, a mother of two in Lahore. Some private school owners, however, voiced concern over academic disruptions and revenue losses.
Schools have been directed not to resume classes before September 1. This marks the second time in recent years that Punjab has extended summer vacations due to extreme weather, underscoring the growing impact of climate change on education.
Meanwhile, under the chief minister’s orders, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a monsoon flood fact sheet. Gujrat received 86mm rain in the past 24 hours, followed by Narowal (37mm), Multan (28mm), DG Khan (27mm), and Jhelum (22mm). Low-level flooding has been reported in the Indus River at Tarbela, while water levels at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa remain normal.
Tarbela Dam is 95% full, Mangla Dam is at 62%, and Indian dams are at 56% capacity. Authorities have urged citizens to take precautions, as monsoon rains have so far claimed 164 lives this year. Financial aid is being provided to affected families.
