Did Punjab extend winter vacations?

LAHORE: A document circulating on social media has claimed that the Punjab government has extended winter vacations for all public and private schools and colleges across the province due to severe weather conditions.

According to the viral notification, holidays were allegedly extended from January 10 to January 17, 2026, with institutions set to reopen on January 19. The document further directed district education authorities to ensure strict implementation of the decision.

However, there has been no official confirmation of any such extension from the Punjab government. No notification supporting this claim has been issued on the official platforms of the School Education Department or the provincial government.

In Punjab, decisions related to school schedules and holidays are formally communicated through official notifications and public statements by the provincial education authorities.

Addressing the speculation in recent days, Rana Sikandar Hayat, who heads the School Education Department, dismissed reports of an extension. In a public statement shared earlier this week, he clarified that schools and colleges would reopen according to the existing schedule and urged the public to avoid believing unverified information. He stated that school and college holidays would not be extended and asked citizens to refrain from spreading fake news.

At present, there has been no change to the announced winter vacation schedule. Parents, students, and school administrations have been advised to rely solely on official government channels for accurate and timely information.