The Punjab government has extended summer vacations for all schools across the province until August 31, with institutions now scheduled to reopen on September 1.
According to a notification issued by the School Education Department of the Punjab government, the decision applies to both public and private educational institutions.
“The Competent Authority has been pleased to extend the vacations till 31.08.2025. All schools in the province of Punjab will re-open on 1.09.2025,” the notification read.
It also directed all chief executive officers of district education authorities to ensure strict compliance with the directive.
While the notification did not cite any specific reason for the extension, the decision is believed to be linked to severe weather conditions. Punjab has been grappling with persistent monsoon rains and flooding since late June, affecting large parts of the province and disrupting normal life.
The move, however, has drawn strong criticism from private school associations. The All Pakistan Private Schools Associations (APPSA) rejected the extension, warning that further delays would significantly disrupt the academic calendar.
“If the holidays are extended further, the teaching system will be badly affected,” said the association’s president, adding that the extension was unjustified under the current circumstances.
Representatives from the associations maintained that weather conditions had improved and the political environment remained stable, leaving no grounds for further closure of schools.
They urged the government to reconsider its decision and resume academic activities as scheduled to avoid further setbacks to the education sector.
