Will Punjab schools remain closed till August 31?

LAHORE: The Punjab School Education Department has formally refuted a false internet notification that summer holidays would be extended till August 31, 2025.

Due to extreme weather, Punjab’s public and private schools will be closed till the end of August, according to a fake statement that went viral on social media.

The department, however, labeled the document as “FAKE” and warned the public not to trust or circulate unconfirmed information.

The current span of holidays is ending on August 15, and there is uncertainty over the reopening of educational institutes in the coming week.

A proposal is under consideration to extend the summer holidays in the wake of ongoing harsh weather and high humidity levels.

Officials stated that professional opinion and weather forecasts will be the basis for any decision about the reopening of schools.

In the upcoming days, the School Education Department will make formal announcements, so parents, teachers, and students are advised to keep an eye out.

In another development, Pakistani people are going to have four consecutive holidays this August as Independence Day and Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) Chehlum are close to the weekend.

The Cabinet Division in a notification stated that Thursday, August 14, would be a public holiday across the country on the occasion of Independence Day. The Chehlum will be on Friday, August 15.

Though Chehlum has not been included in this year’s list of official federal holidays, holidays would be declared by provincial governments in big cities, like Karachi and Rawalpindi, were declared last year.

Instead of Saturday and Sunday, following these two days, people will get the unusual four-day break from August 14 to 17.

The authorities have also been asked to increase security arrangements for both events to facilitate peaceful processions and celebrations.