LAHORE: Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced that all public and private schools across the province will commence summer vacations from May 28, in response to the escalating heatwave sweeping through the region.
In an official statement released by the Punjab Education Ministry, the minister also unveiled revised school timings to safeguard students and staff from the intense temperatures. Effective May 21, schools will operate from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM until the start of the summer break.
Originally scheduled to begin on June 1, the holidays have been moved up due to the severe and prolonged heatwave affecting not only Punjab but several parts of the country.
Health & Safety a Top Priority
Minister Hayat highlighted that the decision was made after thorough consultations and prioritizes the health and safety of students. “We are working diligently to minimize academic disruptions while ensuring students remain safe in this extreme weather,” he stated.
He further mentioned that detailed safety instructions have been issued to schools, encouraging students and staff to follow preventive measures to avoid heat-related illnesses.
PDMA’s Urgent Advisory
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) had earlier advised educational institutions and local administrations to implement precautionary measures, including the possibility of early summer vacations, in case of continued high temperatures.
In a letter issued by PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia, schools were directed to:
- Adjust operating hours
- Suspend all outdoor activities
- Ensure availability of clean, cold drinking water
- Maintain functional ventilation and cooling systems
- Encourage light, breathable clothing for students
These directives were aimed at minimizing exposure to the hazardous weather conditions.
Another Heatwave on the Horizon
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of another intense heatwave expected to grip the country from May 20 to May 24. According to the advisory, high atmospheric pressure will drive temperatures 4 to 7°C above normal in most parts of the country.
Southern Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan are likely to face 4–6°C higher-than-normal temperatures, while central and northern Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan could see 5–7°C temperature spikes.
“A shallow trough of a westerly wave is currently affecting the upper regions of the country and is expected to persist over the coming days,” the PMD stated.