Punjab schools to reopen amid freezing weather from Jan 12

Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat dismisses extension claims circulating on social media as rumours

LAHORE:

Despite severe cold weather gripping parts of Punjab, the provincial government has ruled out an extension of the winter holidays, announcing that all educational institutions will reopen on January 12 as scheduled.

On the other hand, Punjab Teachers Union General Secretary Rana Liaqat Ali urged the provincial school education minister and secretary to extend the holidays for primary school students for 10 days to protect children during the peak cold season.

He said government primary schools in the province lacked heating arrangements, leaving young children exposed to cold weather. “There is no heating system in classrooms, and no additional funds are provided for heating resources,” he said. He added that prolonged exposure to low temperatures could lead to illnesses, including pneumonia and respiratory infections, particularly among younger students with weak immunity.

He said many government schools are located in open rural areas, where temperatures drop significantly in the morning. Broken window panes, lack of proper doors, and the absence of curtains or protective fittings allow cold wind to enter classrooms, making it difficult for children to study.

He further pointed out that most government schools do not have geysers or hot water facilities. As a result, students are forced to use extremely cold water for drinking and in washrooms, increasing the risk of illness. “These conditions are not suitable for children, especially during intense winter spells,” Ali said, adding that temporary relief through extended holidays would help safeguard students.

However, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat denied any plan to extend the vacations. Addressing the issue through his official social media account, the minister dismissed “fake and misleading” reports in this regard.

Schools & Colleges will Open on The 12th of January Inshallah.
Pls Avoid Fake News 🙏

— Rana Sikandar Hayat (@RanaSikandarH) January 9, 2026

“The winter holidays will not be extended. All schools and colleges will reopen according to the previously announced schedule,” he stated. He clarified that all educational institutions across Punjab will resume academic activities on January 12. “The government remains committed to the existing academic calendar,” he added.

Over the past week, Punjab has experienced consistently cold nights as winter tightened its grip across the province. On January 2, the lowest temperature in most plain areas hovered around 8°C, with fog reported during early morning hours. On January 3 and 4, night temperatures remained almost unchanged, while colder conditions were observed in central and northern districts. The chill intensified slightly on January 5, though minimum temperatures still stayed close to 8°C.

From January 6, a gradual drop was recorded. The mercury fell to around 7°C on January 6 and 7, accompanied by dense fog. On January 8, Punjab witnessed one of the coldest nights of the week, with temperatures in several areas dropping to 6°C, while some cities experienced lower readings due to an ongoing cold wave.

Health experts have warned that young schoolchildren who travel to school on motorcycles or bicycles are highly vulnerable to cold-related illnesses amid the prevailing low temperatures in Punjab. According to Mayo Hospital paediatrician Dr Ghulam Fareed, early morning exposure to cold air and fog can weaken a child’s immune system, making them more prone to infections.

“Continuous exposure to cold wind while riding bikes can cause common flu, sore throat, fever, persistent cough, chest infection, bronchitis and pneumonia in young children. Cold air can also trigger asthma attacks, especially in children with existing respiratory problems. In such cold weather, parents should ensure that children wear warm layered clothing, scarves, gloves and face masks, and avoid exposure to cold air in early morning hours.”