Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has issued an official clarification regarding the Friday holiday for schools, colleges, and universities across the province. The statement comes after the Punjab School Education Department released a notification stating that all public and private educational institutions would remain closed on Fridays until further notice.
In his clarification, the minister emphasized that despite the Friday holiday, schools, colleges, and universities are permitted to conduct online classes on this day. He also expressed gratitude to the public for their patience and continued support during the implementation of these new arrangements. “Schools, Colleges & Universities are allowed to take online classes on Fridays. Your patience & support is appreciated,” he tweeted on April 2, 2026.
This announcement aims to provide clarity to students, teachers, and parents who were seeking guidance on how the Friday holiday would affect regular classes and academic schedules. By allowing online classes on Fridays, educational institutions can continue teaching without disrupting the weekly schedule while still observing the holiday.
According to the notification, educational institutions in Punjab will operate from Monday to Thursday under revised timings. Single-shift schools will run from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm, while double-shift schools will conduct morning sessions from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm and afternoon sessions from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm. The Friday holiday ensures that students and staff have a weekly break while providing flexibility for institutions to continue academic activities virtually.
The clarification by the Punjab Education Minister underlines the government’s approach to balancing the Friday holiday with the academic needs of students. By integrating online classes on Fridays, the provincial education authorities aim to maintain continuity in learning while respecting the designated weekly holiday. This step also reflects efforts to modernize education in Punjab by incorporating digital learning methods and accommodating changing schedules across schools, colleges, and universities.
The Friday holiday, now officially clarified, allows institutions to plan their academic activities effectively while ensuring that students do not miss out on learning opportunities.
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