LAHORE – As Pakistanis were reeling from the big increase in Petrol prices, a viral notification began circulating on social media, saying schools in Punjab would be closed from April 6.
Notifications doing rounds online claiming that schools in Punjab would remain closed from April 6 to April 25. But authorities have now stepped in to shatter this baseless claim.
Punjab Education Department categorically said the circulating notification is completely fake and has no basis in reality. No policy regarding school closures is under consideration, officials confirmed.
Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Education Noor-ul-Huda called viral notification fabricated, saying Punjab government has made no decision to shut down schools.
The spokesperson warned parents, students, and the public not to fall for unverified rumors, stressing that only official government sources should be trusted. According to him, such false news creates unnecessary panic and confusion in society.
Education Department reassured the public that any changes to school schedules or the academic calendar will be formally announced on official platforms. Meanwhile, all schools across the province will remain open as usual, ensuring students continue their education without interruption.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif cut petrol prices by Rs80 ($0.29) per liter, reversing part of Thursday’s steep increase caused by rising global oil costs from the Iran conflict. Petrol will now cost Rs378 ($1.36) per liter, while diesel remains higher at Rs520.35 ($1.87) per liter.
The government said the rollback, funded through a cut in the petroleum levy, will last at least a month. Existing targeted subsidies for motorbike users, farmers, and the transport sector will continue. Motorbike riders get Rs100 per liter, small farmers receive Rs1,500 per acre, and transport support for trucks, buses, and Pakistan Railways remains in place.
