As January brings intense cold and dense fog, many students, teachers, and parents have a question in their minds about whether the provincial government will extend the Punjab winter holidays this year.
There were social media reports claiming that winter holidays in Punjab have been extended in schools, colleges, and universities.
However, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat on Sunday confirmed that the government will not extend Punjab winter holidays in 2026. The provincial minister wrote on X, “School & College Holidays Will NOT Be Extended. [Please] Avoid Fake News.”
He urged citizens to stop spreading fake news regarding the Punjab winter holidays.
As per the Punjab Winter Vacation 2026 notification, winter holidays in the province are set to end on Saturday, January 10. However, schools will reopen on January 12.
Despite the government’s clear announcement, cold weather and low visibility due to heavy fog will affect daily life in several parts of Punjab. Many parents showed reservations about early morning school timings and student safety, particularly in areas where fog remains dense during early hours. However, Punjab education minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat, has confirmed that schools and colleges will operate as per the announced schedule, and any future decision will be shared through official channels only.
Earlier, the Punjab government had announced winter vacations from December 22 to January 10th. Rana Sikandar Hayat wrote on X on December 4, “Important: winter vacations from 22nd December to 10th January.”
The Balochistan Education Department had announced the winter vacation schedule for schools across the province as well.
Balochistan winter holidays
According to the announcement, educational institutions in colder regions will remain closed from December 16, 2025, to February 28, 2026.
However, it is different for the warmer regions of the province. The schools in warmer areas observed winter break from 22 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.
