Schools in Punjab could stay closed longer – find out why

The Punjab government is considering extending school holidays in flood-hit areas, including Lahore, with a final decision expected on Friday.

Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat stated that all provincial institutions under the School Education Department are being coordinated on a single platform to develop a unified strategy for school rehabilitation and student safety. He added that a special meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group is scheduled for Friday. During this session, officials will evaluate the situation on the ground and decide whether schools in the affected districts should remain closed for a longer period to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Earlier, on August 7, the Punjab School Education Department had already extended summer vacations from August 14 to August 31, 2025, due to the widespread disruption caused by floods and heavy monsoon rains. Schools are currently planned to reopen on September 1, 2025, but this date could change depending on the recommendations of the upcoming working group meeting.

Rana Sikandar emphasized that student safety remains the top priority. Authorities are conducting thorough assessments of school buildings, roads, and surrounding areas to determine if conditions are safe for reopening. Rehabilitation and relief measures are being coordinated to restore schools in the worst-hit regions as quickly as possible.

The department has also urged parents, teachers, and local officials to actively support the authorities during this process. Any decision on further holiday extensions will aim to balance the need for uninterrupted learning with the imperative of ensuring a secure environment for students.

Officials highlighted that the Friday meeting will provide clear guidance for reopening schools, while ongoing monitoring and recovery efforts will continue in flood-affected districts across Punjab. The government is committed to safeguarding education while addressing the challenges posed by natural disasters.