In early January 2026, social media posts claimed that Punjab’s winter school holidays were being extended due to the severe cold and dense fog.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat and other officials promptly refuted these reports as “false and misleading,” confirming that no extension has been ordered.
The government’s official notification – released in early December – set the winter break from December 22, 2025 to January 10, 2026 for all public and private schools (with classes resuming on January 12, 2026, since January 11 is a Sunday). Parents and students are urged to rely only on these official dates and avoid unverified messages.
Cold Weather and Extension Rumors
Punjab has been gripped by biting cold and dense morning fog, leading some to speculate that schools might stay closed longer for safety. Meteorological reports and the NDMA forecast “cold and dry weather” with moderate to dense fog across Punjab’s plains through mid-January.
For example, Lahore’s early-morning temperatures have hovered around 8–9°C and Murree’s around 0°C. These harsh conditions have raised genuine concerns about children’s safety on foggy mornings.
Despite the weather alerts, officials stress that the winter break schedule remains unchanged. The NDMA and meteorological departments continue to advise caution during this cold spell, but no special extension has been approved.
Government Clarifies No Extension
Punjab’s government repeatedly clarified that winter vacation dates stand as announced. Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat stated on January 9 that schools would reopen on January 12 as originally scheduled, and he urged the public not to believe “fake news” of any extension.
In a public notice he emphasized: “There is no extension in winter vacations for educational institutions in Punjab” and *“Schools & Colleges will open on the 12th of January, Inshallah”.
Similarly, the Punjab School Education Department’s formal notification from December already made clear that classes resume from January 12, 2026. All announcements by the provincial authorities consistently point to these official dates with no changes.
Compliance and Local Response
In the meantime, authorities have taken steps to ensure compliance with the announced schedule. The District Education Authority (DEA) in Lahore sealed three private schools that had unlawfully reopened early during the break.
Education officials warned that any school defying the government timetable would face penalties. Parents and education stakeholders have also spoken up: some noted that a few private schools instructed students via WhatsApp to return on January 6, causing confusion. In response, stakeholders urged strict enforcement of the official calendar.
School administrators across Punjab have therefore reiterated that no school will open before the official end of winter vacations.
Guidance for Students and Parents
Officials stress that schools will reopen on January 12 as planned, and everyone should prepare accordingly. Students and parents should monitor official channels – such as the Punjab Education Department’s announcements or direct school notices – for any updates, and ignore unverified messages or circulars.
Given the ongoing cold and fog, parents are advised to ensure children wear warm clothing and take precautions during travel. The NDMA and weather services advise caution: plan travel in daylight if possible, use headlights in fog, and consider healthy meals to combat the chill.
- Follow the official calendar: Trust only the Punjab government’s notification. Classes resume January 12, 2026 as scheduled.
- Stay informed: Check your school’s official website or contact the administration for any updates. Do not circulate or act on unsourced WhatsApp posts.
- Dress warmly: Temperatures are low, especially in the morning. Ensure students have appropriate winter clothing (coats, hats, gloves) and carry a warm midday snack or drink.
- Travel safely: On foggy days, allow extra time for the commute. If the fog is extremely dense, consider waiting it out or using private transport. Drive slowly and use fog lights.
- Health precautions: Encourage children to wash hands frequently and stay hydrated, as indoor heating and cold air can affect respiratory health.
By following these guidelines and relying on official information, schools, students, and parents can transition smoothly back to classes in January.
The Punjab government has emphasized that the education department has not issued any notification regarding an extension”, so the break ends as planned. Keeping a close eye on reliable sources will ensure that everyone is prepared and safe when school resumes.
