LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday turned down a request to suspend a Punjab government notification about three-month summer vacation for educational institutions.

Justice Khalid Ishaq heard a petition filed by the All Pakistan Private Schools Federation, challenging the three-month summer vacation for schools in the province.

During the hearing, a counsel for the federation asked the court to suspend the operation of the summer vacation notification for educational institutions.

However, the judge rejected the request for interim relief and issued notices to the relevant authorities on the main petition, for submission of replies within two weeks. The Punjab government announced summer vacation from May 22 to Aug 23.

In the main petition, the federation argued that the 90-day closure was damaging for academic continuity and it could increase dropout risks among students.

It referred to an observation by a high court judge, suggesting a reduction in the period of summer holidays.

The petitioner argued that the long vacation disrupt studies and examination schedules, increase students’ screen time and disengagement from academics.

It stated that the prolonged stay at home negatively affects learning continuity of students and creates financial and operational difficulties for schools as well.

NOTICES: A special court (central) on Tuesday issued notices to the prosecution on two separate applications filed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s daughter Rabia and son-in-law Ali Imran Yousaf in a case of alleged irregularities in the Punjab Power Development Company (PPDC).

Judge Ashfaq Ahmad directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to submit its reply to the petitions by Wednesday. Earlier, the judge disposed of the bail petitions of the couple in the same case.

During the hearing, FIA Assistant Director Zainul Abideen submitted a report, stating that both husband and wife had joined the investigation and that their arrest was not required in the case.

In light of the FIA report, a counsel for the PM’s daughter and son-in-law sought the court’s permission to withdraw the bail petitions.

The judge accepted the request and disposed of the petitions accordingly. Rabia and her husband recently ended their self-exile and returned to Pakistan to face cases against them.

An anti-corruption court acquitted them in a case of alleged irregularities in the Punjab Saaf Pani Company earlier this month.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2026