LAHORE: The Punjab government on Saturday extended winter vacation from Jan 12 to 19 in all public and private schools and colleges of the province citing extremely low temperatures expected in the coming days.The decision comes a day after Punjab Minister for School and Higher Education Rana Sikandar Hayat rebuffed rumours and fake news on social media regarding the extension of holidays and maintained that the schools would reopen on Jan 12.
The minister, however, created a poll on his X account, asking people if schools and colleges should reopen on Jan 12 or 19. The majority of the users voted for Jan 19.
In the latest post on X on Saturday, the minister wrote: “In view of the prolonged severe winter spell and the forecast of extremely low temperatures in the coming days, and on the advice of PDMA, the Punjab government has decided to extend winter vacation until Jan 19.”The Punjab government had announced winter vacation for all schools and colleges from Dec 22 to Jan 10.
Earlier in the week, a fake notification claiming to have been issued by the School Education Department went viral on social media, spreading confusion among parents and students. The notification claimed that “due to severe weather conditions,” the vacation had been extended until Jan 17, and that the schools would reopen on Jan 19.
According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), an increase in the intensity of cold is expected across the province from Jan 10 to 16. There is a possibility of severe cold and snowfall in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat and the Potohar region.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said an increase in fog and smog conditions was also expected. He said universities, colleges and other educational institutions should issue proper winter clothing instructions to students.
He said schools should take appropriate measures to protect students from cold, and all hospitals, particularly basic health units, should ensure the availability of medicines and staff. He urged the public to take protective measures against severe cold and also use face masks.
The PDMA also directed the citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions and tourists should follow precautionary measures and adhere to official guidelines.
Mr Kathia said facilitation centres were established at various locations in Murree for the convenience of tourists. He said the travellers should avoid speeding and also use fog lights while traveling in foggy conditions.
Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2026
