Punjab Schools Summer Vacation 2025: Heatwave Prompts Early Closure
The early start to summer vacations is a response to the severe heatwave conditions, and the government is taking proactive measures to protect students from the extreme weather. The new school timings and early vacations are expected to help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and provide a safer learning environment.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced that summer vacations for schools in the province will begin on May 28, in response to the intensifying heatwave that has disrupted academic activities in small private schools in Lahore and other cities.
The extreme heat has worsened the situation in schools operating in small buildings that are set up in violation of rules, with students suffering due to lack of facilities such as fans, water, and proper lighting. Parents have been forced to admit their children to such schools due to affordability, and the school education department's failure to persuade schools to make precautionary arrangements has left only the option of closure.
A heatwave alert has been issued for May 15-19, with a risk of a heatwave and temperature increase by 4-7 degrees Celsius, and cases of heatstroke have already been reported. Hospitals have been advised to set up heatwave counters to deal with the situation. In the meantime, new school timings will be from 7:30am to 11:30am, effective from May 21, to ensure students are dismissed before the hottest part of the day.
The decision to start summer vacations early is expected to provide relief to students and parents, and the Punjab government is taking steps to mitigate the effects of the heatwave on the education sector. The situation will be closely monitored, and further decisions will be made as necessary to ensure the well-being of students.