ISLAMABAD – Punjab government announced summer vacations 2026 from May 22 amid intense and prolonged heatwave, but several top schools like American Lycetuff, Lahore Grammer are not complying with the orders.
Provincial administration’s decision was issued after urgent alerts from Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), both of which warned of dangerously above-normal temperatures expected to persist from May through July. The notification clearly mandated a complete shutdown of all schools across the province without exception.
However, despite this province-wide order, serious allegations have surfaced against multiple private institutions for continuing academic operations.
At center of the controversy is the American Lycetuff School (ALS) DNK branch in Lahore, where a student reportedly claimed that the administration is pressuring students to keep attending regular in-person classes even after the official start of the summer vacation period. The allegation sparked concerns that the school may be prioritizing academic schedules despite government-imposed safety closures.
The issue does not appear to be isolated. Other private institutions in Lahore are also under scrutiny, with accusations that they are attempting to maintain classes and fee-related operations despite the shutdown directive.
Lahore Grammar School (LGS) has also been drawn into the controversy. Reports suggest that students at the LGS Senior Boys branch in 364 E Block, Johar Town, Lahore received official messages instructing Grade XI students to continue attending regular classes until Wednesday, June 10, 2026. According to the same communication, online classes are to be conducted on Fridays and Saturdays in line with the government notification, while the school’s summer break is scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
The message reportedly said school will reopen on Wednesday, August 5, 2026—weeks earlier than the government-announced reopening date of August 24.
In Lahore, some private schools such as branches of American Lycetuff and Lahore Grammar School have continued or adjusted academic activities despite the Punjab government’s heatwave closure orders.
This exposes students to serious health risks, as extreme temperatures of 42–45°C can lead to heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke, while also denting learning ability. Although continuing classes may help exam-focused students stay on track, the overall quality of learning often declines, and students experience higher stress, burnout, and unequal access to rest compared to those in schools that fully close.
Beyond academics, this situation also creates social pressure, as students and parents may feel compelled to comply despite safety concerns, while family routines and summer breaks are disrupted.
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