Private schools oppose govt’s winter vacation plan; Here’s why

LAHORE: The Punjab government has planned to announce winter vacations in December to deal with the ongoing smog crisis and cold weather conditions.

Read More: Punjab govt announces new school timings amid improved air quality

However, the Private Schools Association has raised objections and urged the authorities to reconsider the number of vacations.

District Education Authority officials revealed that the proposed vacations are aimed at reducing health risks due to severe smog, especially in the Potohar region and Murree, where air quality has deteriorated.

The government’s plan includes a 20-day break, which will continue till January 10, 2025, as announced by Punjab Secretary Schools, Khalid Nazir Wattoo. Abrar Ahmed Khan, president of the All Pakistan Private Schools Association for North Punjab, has criticized the proposal.

He argued that the academic year has already been affected due to the long summer vacations, smog-related closures and public protests. He recommended reducing the break, which began on January 1, to just 10 days to ensure minimal disruption to students’ education. Punjab has a history of school closures due to smog. Last month, schools were closed for several days in Lahore and other districts as air pollution reached dangerous levels. This year’s smog crisis has once again highlighted the need for long-term solutions to improve air quality and protect public health.