Winter School Holidays Across Pakistan – Here Are the Expected Dates for Educational Institutions
The Punjab School Education Department (SED) has officially confirmed the winter school holidays for 2025, announcing that all public and private educational institutions across the province will remain closed from December 23, 2025, to January 10, 2026.
The decision comes after consultations with the Punjab Education Minister, Directorate of Education, and Meteorological Department, considering both cold weather and smog intensity during the last weeks of December.
Schools are scheduled to reopen on Monday, January 13, 2026, subject to weather conditions and air-quality levels in major cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Rawalpindi.
Official Notification by Punjab Education Department
According to sources within the Punjab Education Department, the winter break will apply uniformly to:
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All public schools under the School Education Department (SED).
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Private institutions affiliated with the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB).
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Colleges and higher secondary schools governed by the Higher Education Department (HED) Punjab.
Reason for Extended Holidays in Punjab
This year’s winter break is slightly longer than in previous years. The decision to extend holidays till January 10 was made after the Punjab Environment Department issued an alert predicting low temperatures and persistent smog in central and northern Punjab.
The main objectives behind the extension include:
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Protecting students from respiratory illnesses and cold-related health issues.
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Allowing schools to install heating equipment and improve ventilation systems.
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Supporting the provincial Smog Action Plan 2025, which emphasizes limited outdoor activity during severe air pollution periods.
Additionally, the department encouraged schools to use digital study platforms or WhatsApp learning groups to keep students academically engaged during the break.
Instructions for Schools and Parents
The Punjab Education Department has directed all school administrations to:
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Display official vacation notices on campus notice boards and online pages.
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Maintain communication with parents through SMS alerts or school apps.
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Complete mid-year assessments before December 20, 2025.
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Reopen only after air quality and temperature levels are reviewed in coordination with the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
Parents are advised to:
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Ensure children wear warm clothing during foggy mornings once schools reopen.
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Avoid outdoor play or unnecessary travel during smog alerts.
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Encourage reading, creativity, and indoor educational activities during the holidays.
Punjab Government’s Climate-Based Academic Policy
The Government of Punjab has been revising its academic calendar each year to adapt to changing weather and environmental conditions. Under the Climate-Adaptive Education Policy 2025, the province now:
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Adjusts vacation schedules dynamically based on temperature and smog forecasts.
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Plans heatwave breaks in summer and extended winter holidays in cold months.
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Encourages hybrid learning in case of prolonged weather disruptions.
This forward-thinking approach ensures both academic consistency and student health protection.
School Reopening and Academic Plans
Schools will reopen on January 13, 2026, with a special focus on revision and exam preparation. Teachers have been instructed to:
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Conduct quick syllabus reviews in the first two weeks after reopening.
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Emphasize attendance monitoring to avoid learning loss.
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Hold remedial classes for students who missed lessons before the break.
Attendance will be compulsory after reopening, and the Education Department has asked private schools not to extend the vacation period without official approval.
Expected Weather Conditions During Holidays
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Punjab is likely to experience:
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Dense fog and low visibility in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Sahiwal regions.
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Nighttime temperatures dropping below 5°C in northern districts.
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Occasional rainfall and cold winds between December 25 and January 5.
The PMD also warned of increased air pollution levels, urging citizens to limit outdoor exposure during early mornings and evenings.
Health and Safety Advisory
The Punjab Health Department has shared the following tips for families during the holidays:
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Keep children indoors during dense fog hours.
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Use face masks outdoors to avoid respiratory infections.
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Consume warm fluids and vitamin-rich foods.
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Maintain indoor ventilation to reduce pollution buildup.
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Avoid unnecessary travel during extreme cold waves.
These steps are designed to keep families healthy and comfortable throughout the winter break.
Quick Summary of Punjab Winter Holidays 2025
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Province | Punjab |
| Holiday Dates | December 23, 2025 – January 10, 2026 |
| Reopening Date | January 13, 2026 |
| Applicable To | All public & private schools, colleges |
| Reason | Extreme cold, smog, and health concerns |
| Official Department | Punjab School Education Department (SED) |
| Notification Release | Expected in first week of December 2025 |
Conclusion: A Thoughtful Step for Students’ Wellbeing
The Punjab government’s decision to announce winter holidays from December 23 to January 10 demonstrates a balanced approach toward education, climate, and public health.
This break gives students a much-needed chance to rest, rejuvenate, and prepare for upcoming exams while staying safe from harsh winter conditions.
Parents, teachers, and students are encouraged to stay updated via official channels and follow the department’s reopening guidelines.
Punjab’s winter break 2025 isn’t just a pause in studies — it’s a step toward smarter, climate-conscious education management.
