No Extension in Winter Holidays, Punjab Education Minister Clarifies

Published On: January 22, 2026

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has dismissed rumors regarding a further extension in winter vacations, bringing clarity after widespread speculation caused by severe cold weather across the province.

Addressing the issue, the minister confirmed that all public and private schools in Punjab will reopen on January 19, as previously scheduled. He stated that winter vacations began on December 20, and students were granted a total of 30 days off, of which 27 days have already passed, leaving no justification for additional holidays.

Also read

Punjab School Reopening Update After Long Weekend

Punjab Introduces Biometric Attendance for Matric and Inter Exams

No Extension in Winter Holidays, Punjab Education Minister Clarifies

The minister explained that the government made the decision after consultations with the Meteorological Department and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), carefully reviewing weather forecasts and temperature trends for the coming week.

Meanwhile, dense fog and cold winds have disrupted daily life in Lahore, where wind speed was recorded at 2 km/h, and the Air Quality Index (AQI reached 186), ranking the city sixth globally for pollution levels.

According to the Meteorological Department, moderate to dense fog is expected in major cities, while morning haze is forecast for the Potohar region. The PDMA has also issued a weather advisory, warning of rain, snowfall, and a drop in temperatures across Punjab.

A western weather system is expected to enter the region between January 16 and 19, bringing rain and snowfall to Murree, Galiyat, and other hilly areas from January 20 to 23. Rain is also expected in several districts including Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Sahiwal.

Despite these conditions, authorities have reaffirmed that schools will reopen as scheduled, urging parents and students to follow official updates only.