Punjab likely to announce early summer vacations amid heatwave concerns

LAHORE: Punjab is expected to announce early summer vacations for schools as rising temperatures and heatwave warnings begin affecting educational activities across the province.

Discussions on closing schools ahead of the usual schedule have intensified following weather advisories issued by the Punjab Disaster Management Authority and the expected Eid ul Adha holidays.

In its latest advisory covering May, June and July, the authority warned that temperatures in most districts are likely to remain above normal levels during the coming months.

Reports indicate that Eid ul Adha holidays are expected from May 27 to May 29, while May 30 and 31 fall on the weekend. Authorities are considering beginning summer vacations from May 27 instead of the previously expected June 1 schedule.

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has also proposed reducing the duration of summer and winter vacations in future academic years to compensate for learning losses and increase annual school days from 180 to 190.

At the same time, private schools have sought permission to organise summer camps between 7am and 10am during the break to continue academic activities despite the vacations.