Lahore — Schools in Punjab will remain closed until September 1 after the provincial government extended the summer break in response to an ongoing heatwave and related health risks for students.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said the revised date replaces the earlier mid-August reopening plan. “Given the severe weather and soaring temperatures, we have extended the vacations to protect the health of students and teachers,” he stated.
The government will issue an official notification soon. According to the minister, the decision came after appeals from parents, educators, and medical experts warning that the persistent heat could endanger children.
Some areas of Punjab recorded temperatures above 45°C in July, with the Meteorological Department forecasting continued high heat into August, especially in Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Multan. Medical professionals have warned that schoolchildren face heightened risks of dehydration and heatstroke in such conditions.
A senior school education department official confirmed that adjustments will be made to the academic calendar, with options including extra classes or reduced winter holidays to ensure syllabus completion.
Parents largely supported the move, with Lahore resident Asma Tariq calling it “a welcome relief.” However, private school operators expressed concern about learning disruptions and potential financial losses.
Schools have been instructed not to reopen before September 1. This is the second time in recent years Punjab has prolonged summer holidays due to weather extremes — a sign of climate change’s growing influence on the education sector.
Separately, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported significant rainfall in the past 24 hours: Gujrat (86mm), Narowal (37mm), Multan (28mm), DG Khan (27mm), and Jhelum (22mm). Light to moderate showers were also recorded in Sialkot, Attock, Murree, Rawalpindi, Layyah, Mianwali, and Kot Addu.
While low-level flooding is ongoing in the Indus River at Tarbela, water flow in other major rivers remains normal. Tarbela Dam is at 95% capacity, Mangla Dam at 62%, and Indian dams at 56%. PDMA has urged citizens to take precautions, noting that 164 people have died in rain-related incidents this monsoon season.