School holidays may extend amid flood crisis; Punjab minister calls meeting

The Punjab government is considering extending school holidays in flood-hit areas, including Lahore, with a final decision expected on Friday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.

According to the officials, Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat stated that all provincial institutions are being brought onto one platform under the School Education Department to devise a joint strategy for rehabilitation and safety in flood-affected regions.

He announced that a special meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group will be held on Friday to review ground realities and determine whether schools should remain closed for a longer period.

It is worth mentioning that on August 7, the Punjab School Education Department had already extended summer vacations from August 14 to August 31, 2025.

Schools are currently scheduled to reopen on September 1, 2025, as confirmed by Rana Sikandar.

The final announcement on whether the holidays will be extended further is set to be made this Friday after the joint consultation.

Reporter: Junaid Riaz