New School Timings Due to Severe Heatwave
Lahore, May 20, 2025 – Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has officially announced that all schools in the province will begin summer vacations on May 28, 2025. This decision comes in response to the intense heatwave affecting many areas of Punjab.
You can read more: Punjab Schools Announce 2025 Summer Vacation Date | Updated School Schedules Due to Hot Weather
The move aims to protect students, teachers, and school staff from the harmful effects of the extremely high temperatures.
Early Closure for Student Safety
While addressing the media on Tuesday, May 20, Minister Hayat emphasized that the health of students is the top priority.
This decision follows consultations with the weather and health departments, which have already issued heatwave warnings for the province.
Many parents and school staff had raised concerns about students being exposed to extreme heat during school hours. The government’s swift action shows a strong commitment to student safety and well-being
Updated School Timings Before Summer Break
To reduce exposure to the heat, the Punjab government has also adjusted school hours for the remaining days before the break.
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From May 21 to May 27, 2025, all schools will operate from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
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May 28 will be the first day of summer vacation and is a holiday.
Minister Hayat shared on social media:
| Update | Details |
|---|---|
| Summer Holidays Begin | May 28, 2025 (Wednesday) |
| Last Working Day | May 27, 2025 (Tuesday) |
| New School Hours (Until 28th) | 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM |
| Reason | Ongoing Heatwave in Punjab |
| Announced By | Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat |
Important Advice for Schools and Parents
All schools are advised to follow the new schedule immediately. Minister Hayat also encouraged schools to inform parents through WhatsApp groups, school websites, and official notices.
Government departments have issued heat safety guidelines, including:
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Wearing light-colored and breathable clothes
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Avoiding direct sunlight
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Ensuring students drink enough water
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Providing shaded areas and clean drinking water in schools
You can read more: Punjab School Summer Vacation 2025: Schedule Revised Due to Severe Heatwave
What About the Learning Loss?
Addressing concerns about lost study time due to recent school closures from protests, political events, and heatwaves, Minister Hayat said:
We understand the importance of academics, but the safety of our children must come first
He added that schools might consider extra classes after the summer holidays to cover any missed curriculum. However, any such decisions will be made after discussions with school principals and education boards.
You can read more: Punjab School Summer Vacation 2025 Rescheduled Due to Heatwave
Conclusion
The Punjab government’s quick action to begin summer vacations early and adjust school timings shows responsible leadership during a time of environmental crisis. The health and safety of students and staff have rightly been given the highest priority.
While this heatwave may disrupt the school calendar, short-term changes like earlier holidays and shorter school hours are necessary to prevent health issues. The Education Department may later adjust the curriculum to help students catch up.
FAQs
1. Why are schools closing early in Punjab this year?
Due to a severe heatwave, the Punjab government has decided to start summer vacations early to protect the health of students and school staff.
2. What are the new school hours before the summer break?
From May 21 to 27, schools will run from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
3. Will the missed classes be covered later?
The Education Minister said that make-up classes might be held after the holidays, depending on discussions with school heads and education boards.