The winter vacation in educational institutes of Punjab has been extended, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Friday.

All government and private institutes will reopen on January 9. The Punjab Schools Education Department released a notification of the winter vacation extension following the orders of the Lahore High Court to fend off smog hazards.

The Punjab Schools Education secretary issued the notification and sent a copy to the quarters concerned.

Also, the winter holidays at Punjab University have been extended. However, administrative staff will remain on duty during the holidays.

The department heads may reschedule the examinations.