LAHORE – The Punjab government has announced that all public and private schools in the province will now reopen on September 1, 2025, instead of the earlier date of August 14.

Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat Khan said the decision was made due to the ongoing severe heatwave across the region. He explained that the main priority is to protect students’ health and safety, even if it means a delay in studies.

However, the move has faced strong criticism from several education stakeholders. Former Education Minister Murad Raas opposed the extension, saying students have already been on summer vacation since June 1 and that further delays will make it difficult to complete the syllabus on time.

The All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association also disagreed with the decision. They pointed out that private schools in Islamabad reopened on August 4, and schools in other provinces are following their normal schedules. They urged Punjab’s Education Department to reconsider and allow junior classes to resume earlier.

Parents and teachers are now divided over the matter. Some believe that student safety should come first during this hot and humid weather, while others fear that the extended break could affect academic performance and exam preparation.

The final decision stands for now, with Punjab schools set to welcome students back on September 1—two weeks later than planned.