Lahore, Punjab – In a clear directive aimed at dispelling widespread rumors, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has officially confirmed that there will be no extension in the ongoing winter vacations for educational institutions across the province.
This announcement comes in response to significant confusion and unverified claims circulating on social media regarding a potential prolongation of the holiday break.
Official Reopening Date Confirmed
Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat explicitly stated that all public and private schools and colleges in Punjab are to reopen on Monday, January 12, 2026. He strongly dismissed the online reports as “false and misleading,” urging the public to rely only on official communications from the government.
“The public is advised not to believe or spread unverified information concerning academic schedules,” the Minister emphasized in his brief statement.
Background: Official Winter Vacation Notification
As per the official notification issued earlier by the Punjab Education Department, the winter vacations for 2025-26 were scheduled from December 22, 2025, to January 10, 2026. This timeline applies uniformly to all public and private institutions across the province.
Non-Compliance by Some Private Institutions Sparks Concern
Despite the clear official directive, reports have emerged indicating that several private educational institutions did not fully adhere to the notified vacation period. It is alleged that these institutions:
- Did not issue formal vacation closure notices.
- Instructed students via unofficial WhatsApp messages to resume classes from January 6, 2026, effectively shortening the mandated break.
This discrepancy has led to concerns and complaints from parents and education stakeholders, who are calling on the Punjab Education Department to ensure strict compliance from all private institutions with the officially announced calendar.
Key Takeaways for Parents & Students
- Reopening Date: All institutions reopen on January 12, 2026.
- No Extension: The government has ruled out any extension of the winter break.
- Verify Information: Rely on official channels and avoid social media rumors.
- Compliance Issues: Authorities are urged to monitor and enforce the schedule, especially in private schools.
The government’s clarification aims to standardize the academic calendar and ensure a smooth, unified restart of educational activities next week.
