Lahore: The Punjab Higher Education Department has issued an important clarification regarding holidays in educational institutions.
According to a spokesperson for the department, there will be no extension in holidays for colleges across Punjab, and the increase in winter vacations applies only to schools. The official statement confirms that colleges and universities are not included in the extended break, and colleges will reopen as per routine on January 12.
It is worth noting that the Punjab government had earlier announced a one-week extension in holidays for educational institutions to safeguard students’ health. Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat stated that the decision was made based on a public survey conducted on the minister’s official social media page. Following public consultation, schools will now reopen on January 19, keeping in view the severity of the weather and the health of students.
Authorities have directed strict enforcement of winter holidays in educational institutions across the provincial capital. The Chief Executive Officer of the Education Authority Lahore has issued a clear notification stating that no public or private school is allowed to operate during the winter vacation period.
According to the notification, strict action will be taken against any school found open during the holidays, and legal as well as disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against the concerned school administration in case of violations. Assistant and Deputy Education Officers have been instructed to carry out daily monitoring to ensure compliance.
The notification further stated that a decision has been made to closely monitor schools throughout Lahore, and all relevant officials have been directed to ensure immediate and full implementation of the orders.
