Punjab school vacations extended

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has extended the school summer vacations in the province because of an ongoing heatwave and health concerns for students.

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced that the schools will now reopen on September 1 instead of mid-August, as previously scheduled.

“In view of the extreme weather conditions and rising temperatures, the summer break has been extended to ensure the health and safety of students and teachers,” he said in an official statement.

The minister stated that a notification regarding the revised schedule would be issued shortly.

He emphasised that the government had received requests from parents, school administrations, and health experts, urging a delay in reopening due to the persistent hot weather.

Punjab has been experiencing record temperatures this year, with some regions crossing 45°C in July.

The Meteorological Departments has warned of continuing high temperatures well into August, particularly in southern parts of the province such as Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Multan.

Doctors have warned that children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, including dehydration and heatstroke.

According to officials from the school education department, the academic calendar will be adjusted to compensate for the extended holidays.

“We are already working on a revised timetable to ensure that syllabus coverage is not compromised. Extra classes and shortened winter vacations may be considered,” a senior officer revealed.

Parents welcomed the decision. “It’s a relief to know that the government is thinking about our children’s health. It’s almost impossible for students to sit in classrooms without proper ventilation or cooling systems,” said Asma Tariq, a mother of two schoolgoing children in Lahore.

However, some private school owners expressed concerns over the impact of the decision on the academic session and revenue losses due to the delay in resumption of academic activities.

The schools have been advised not to resume classes perations until September 1.

This is the second time in recent years that the Punjab government has extended summer vacations due to weather-related reasons, highlighting climate change and its impact on education.

Meanwhile, under the instructions of the chief minister, the PDMA has issued a fact sheet on the monsoon flood situation.

In the last 24 hours, Gujrat received 86mm, Narowal 37mm, Multan 28mm, DG Khan 27mm and Jhelum received up to 22mm rain.

Rain was also recorded in Sialkot, Attock, Mangla, Murree, Rawalpindi, Layyah, Mianwali and Kot Addu.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has directed the administration to remain alert as there is low-level flood in the Indus River at Tarbela. Water flow at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa is at normal level.

The flow of water in the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej rivers is at normal level. The flow of water in the rivers and streams adjacent to the major rivers is also at normal level.

Tarbela Dam is 95% full while Mangla Dam is 62%. The water level in Indian dams is 56%. Citizens are requested to take precautionary measures during the rainy season.

This year, 164 citizens died in various accidents due to monsoon rains, so far. Under the CM’s instructions, financial assistance is being provided to the affected families, he added.