Punjab Announces Reopening of Schools and Colleges; classes 9-12, O/A Levels resume Aug 18, grades 1-8 reopen Aug 31 after heatwave break
Punjab has officially announced the reopening of schools and colleges after an extended summer vacation prompted by the ongoing heatwave. Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat confirmed on Wednesday that classes in both public and private institutions will resume from September 1, 2025, following weeks of uncertainty over the academic calendar. According to the official notification issued by the Punjab School Education Department, the decision was taken after consultation with health experts, education boards, and district authorities to ensure the safety of students amid high temperatures and humidity levels across the province.
Background — Summer Vacation Schedule and Heatwave Concerns
In line with the traditional academic calendar, summer vacations in Punjab typically begin in mid-May and end by mid-August. However, in 2025, temperatures soared above 41°C in several districts as early as late May. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued multiple advisories highlighting the risks of heatstroke and dehydration among school-going children. Responding to these warnings, the Punjab government announced an early start to the summer break on May 28, 2025, instead of the original June 1 date. In the days leading up to the break, revised school hours were implemented, with institutions closing at 11:30 am to reduce students’ exposure to peak afternoon heat.
Initial Reopening Plan — August 15 with Adjusted Timings
By late July, the School Education Department had announced plans to reopen schools on August 15, 2025, with modified operating hours to address weather conditions. Under the proposed schedule, single-shift schools were to operate Monday to Thursday from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm and on Friday until 11:30 am. Double-shift schools were to run morning sessions from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm (Mon-Thu) and until 11:30 am on Friday, while evening sessions would run from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm (Mon-Thu) and 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm on Friday. This plan aimed to resume learning without compromising health guidelines.
Extension of Summer Vacations — Official Notification
Despite the readiness plan for mid-August, persistent high temperatures and humidity prompted a reassessment. On August 7, 2025, the Punjab government issued an official notification extending summer vacations until August 31, 2025. The statement, approved by the Competent Authority, instructed all public and private schools and colleges in the province to comply. District Education Authorities (DEAs) and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of education boards were directed to ensure implementation across their jurisdictions. This meant that the official reopening date for all educational institutions in Punjab was set for September 1, 2025.
Reasons Behind the Extension-Punjab Announces Reopening of Schools and Colleges
The Punjab Education Department cited student safety during extreme weather as the primary reason for the extension. Meteorological data indicated that heatwave conditions, combined with high humidity and occasional rainfall, could create health risks such as heat exhaustion and dehydration for children. By delaying the reopening, authorities aimed to ensure cooler classroom environments, reduced risk of heat-related illness, and smoother logistical readiness for institutions.
Clarifying Misinformation — Fake Notifications
In early August, a fake notification circulated on social media claiming that schools would reopen earlier than September 1. The Punjab School Education Department promptly labeled it “FAKE” and urged parents, students, and school administrations to rely only on official government channels for information. This clarification helped maintain consistent communication and avoid confusion among stakeholders.
Stakeholder Reactions — Mixed Opinions
The decision to extend the summer break drew mixed reactions. Supporters argued that prioritizing student health was essential, particularly for younger children in grades 1 to 8, who are more vulnerable to heat stress. Critics, including the All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association (APPSMA), argued that the extended closure would disrupt the academic calendar and impact exam preparation. APPSMA noted that educational institutions in Islamabad, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had already reopened earlier in August, and suggested that Punjab could have implemented a phased reopening starting with board examination classes (grades 9, 10, 11, and 12).
Academic Impact and Recovery Measures
Education experts warned that prolonged closures could lead to learning loss—a concern already heightened by disruptions during previous years. As a result, school administrations and education boards are now considering catch-up strategies to compensate for the missed instructional time. Potential recovery measures include reducing winter vacation duration to recover lost days, weekend or evening classes for board examination students, and condensed syllabi to focus on core subjects before exams. These adjustments are expected to be finalized before the new term begins in September.
Reopening Schedule Breakdown
May 28, 2025: Early start to summer vacations due to heatwave warnings. July 28, 2025: Announcement of August 15 reopening plan with revised school hours. August 7, 2025: Official extension of summer vacation until August 31. September 1, 2025: Official reopening date for all public and private educational institutions in Punjab.
Preparation for September Reopening
Ahead of the September 1 reopening, both government and private institutions are undertaking operational readiness steps. Infrastructure readiness: Ensuring classrooms are well-ventilated and fans are functional. Teacher deployment: Confirming staff availability and updated timetables. Student communication: Informing parents about final schedules, fees, and transport arrangements. Safety measures: Advising hydration breaks and allowing lighter uniforms during warm days.
Balancing Safety and Academic Continuity
The Punjab government’s approach reflects a balance between student safety and academic continuity. While the extended closure impacts classroom time, it mitigates the immediate risk of heat-related illness and allows for more stable learning conditions upon reopening. Effective collaboration between the Punjab Education Department, private school associations, and parents will be crucial in ensuring that the remainder of the 2025 academic year proceeds without further disruption.
Conclusion — Punjab Announces Reopening of Schools and Colleges
With the Punjab announces reopening of schools and colleges confirmation now in place, students, teachers, and parents can prepare with certainty for September 1, 2025. The extension decision underscores the importance of public health, weather monitoring, and coordinated educational planning. Moving forward, strategic adjustments—such as shortened winter breaks and targeted remedial classes—will help offset lost instructional time, ensuring that students remain on track for annual examinations. By prioritizing both health and learning outcomes, Punjab’s education sector aims to transition smoothly back to full academic operations while safeguarding the well-being of its students.