The Punjab government on Saturday extended winter vacation for all public and private educational institutions across the province by one week.
In a statement, Punjab Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat said the holiday period was extended due to cold weather, citing the severity of conditions and students’ health.
Hayat said a public survey showed about 87% of respondents backed extending the break, while around 13% favoured reopening schools on January 12.
According to the spokesperson, 154,178 votes were cast in favour of reopening educational institutions on 19 January, whereas 24,829 votes were recorded in support of the earlier date of January 12.
The education minister has directed all chief executive officers (CEOs) to ensure the implementation of the decision in their respective districts.
Meanwhile, speaking to Geo News, the minister confirmed the development, saying that the decision applies to educational institutions.
A day earlier, Hayat rebuffed rumours about an extension in the winter vacation in schools and colleges in the province.
"All schools, colleges will open as per the announced schedule on January 12 [Monday]," said Hayat.
The minister had clarified that the notification concerning the extension of holidays that has gone viral is in fact "fake".
Winter vacation in Punjab's public and private schools commenced from December 22, 2025 and was earlier scheduled to end on Sunday (January 11).
