The Punjab government has announced that summer Holidays in schools will begin on June 1, though the date may be adjusted depending on rising temperatures and associated health concerns for students and staff.
According to School Education Secretary Khalid Nazir Wattoo, the holiday schedule is flexible. Speaking to Express News, he stated, “If temperatures rise unusually, holidays could start a week earlier. The health and safety of students, teachers, and parents come first, as extreme heat can seriously disrupt educational activities.”
This move comes amid increasing global concerns over climate change, which continues to cause irregular and severe weather patterns. Pakistan, particularly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, is experiencing the effects of rising temperatures across key sectors like education, health, and the economy. Each year, heatwaves are becoming more intense, significantly impacting daily life and infrastructure.
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The government has advised schools and parents to stay alert for updates, as any changes to the schedule will be announced in response to the evolving weather conditions.
In the meantime, schools are being instructed to ensure clean drinking water, ban outdoor activities, and recommend light, breathable clothing for students. Additionally, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has urged institutions to improve classroom ventilation, maintain fans and cooling systems, and set up first-aid counters staffed by personnel trained to handle heat-related illnesses.
Coordination with district disaster management authorities has also been emphasized to maintain efficient communication and response planning. Currently, dry and increasingly hot conditions persist across Punjab as summer temperatures continue to climb.
