The Punjab government on Saturday extended winter holidays for educational institutions by an additional week in response to the intensifying cold wave across the province.
Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced that schools will now reopen on January 19, instead of the earlier scheduled date of January 12, with the winter break extended until January 18.
Earlier reports had indicated that the extension was under consideration due to the ongoing cold spell, with meteorological data being reviewed before a final decision.
Parents have been calling for the extension, citing concerns over children’s health and the extreme weather conditions.
Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat confirmed that the health and well-being of children are the top priority.
Earlier, the minister conducted a poll on Facebook to gather public opinion on whether schools should reopen on January 12 as originally scheduled or if the winter break should be extended until January 19.
According to the latest results, over 85% of participants voted in favor of extending the holidays.
Source: Dunya News
