Confusion has spread across Punjab after social media posts claimed that the government was considering changes to the current schedule of winter holidays for schools and colleges. The reports led many parents and students to believe that the vacation period might be extended beyond the announced dates.
Addressing the speculation, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat clarified that there will be no extension in winter holidays. He confirmed that all public and private schools and colleges across the province will reopen as planned on January 12, 2026. The minister strongly rejected online claims suggesting otherwise, describing them as false and misleading.
In a short statement, Rana Sikandar Hayat urged parents, students, and teachers not to rely on unverified information circulating on social media. He stressed the importance of following only official notifications issued by the Punjab Education Department regarding academic schedules and winter holidays.
Earlier, the education department had formally announced winter holidays for all educational institutions in Punjab, starting from December 22, 2025, and ending on January 10, 2026. The decision applied to both public and private schools and colleges, and institutions were directed to strictly follow the schedule.
However, despite the clear notification, reports emerged that several private schools did not fully comply with the instructions. According to parents, some institutions failed to issue official vacation notices and instead informed students through WhatsApp messages to resume classes from January 6, 2026, before the end of the winter holidays.
This situation has raised concerns among parents and education stakeholders, who argue that early reopening places unnecessary pressure on students during the winter break. They have called on the authorities to take action against institutions violating the official schedule and to ensure uniform implementation of winter holidays across Punjab.
asd Are Winter Holidays In Punjab Genuinely Extended?
Education officials have reassured the public that the notified dates remain unchanged and that monitoring will continue to ensure compliance. Parents are advised to follow official announcements only and report any violations to the relevant authorities.
