LAHORE – Punjab government finally cleared air over reopening of schools after days of speculation surrounding possible extension of summer vacations amid ongoing monsoon rains.
The provincial government confirmed that all government and private schools across Punjab will reopen on August 24, 2026, according to the existing academic calendar, putting an end to rumours of an early reopening or an extension of holidays until August 31.
The clarification came after reports circulated that heavy monsoon rainfall and possible flood risks could force the government to extend summer vacations. However, officials stated that no proposal for extending holidays is currently under consideration, and no official notification has been issued regarding any change in the reopening schedule.
Sources said that the situation of rivers across Punjab does not currently indicate any major flood threat, making it likely that educational activities will resume as planned.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat issued clear instructions to both public and private schools, stating that no institution will be allowed to reopen before August 24. He said that the government has reserved one month during the summer break for remedial learning camps aimed at addressing students’ learning gaps caused by the extended holidays. Special educational camps have also been established to help students recover academically.
“The academic schedule remains unchanged, and schools will reopen on August 24 according to the announced plan,” officials said while reiterating that all institutions must strictly follow government instructions.
Punjab government had faced a similar situation last year when severe monsoon rains and flood-like conditions forced authorities to extend summer vacations in schools until August 31, 2025.
However, this year, despite continued rainfall, authorities have not announced any extension so far. The final decision regarding any future change in the academic calendar will rest with the Punjab government and will only be communicated through an official notification.
With the education minister’s latest directive, uncertainty over the reopening date has ended, and students and parents can now prepare for the return to classrooms from August 24, 2026.
