Winter vacations in Islamabad to be extended due to serve cold weather?

ISLAMABAD: The winter vacations are about to end in Pakistan’s federal capital Islamabad, and students are gearing up for physical classes after a short break.

Social media platforms are abuzz with unverified posts suggesting that the winter vacations may be extended in schools across the city due to the ongoing cold wave, spreading concern among parents and students. Many users shared posts on WhatsApp groups claiming that educational institutions may remain closed further due to severe weather conditions.

The Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) has, however, confirmed that private schools in Islamabad will reopen on Monday, January 6, 2025, as per the original schedule, and assured the public that there will be no extension of the winter vacations despite the cold weather.

Furthermore, Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) schools in Islamabad will resume classes on January 9, 2025, as planned. As rumors about extended breaks have created a frenzy, authorities have urged parents to rely on official updates and avoid misinformation.

The situation is different in other regions, with winter vacations extended in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), where schools will now reopen on February 6, while schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will reopen on January 7, and schools in Punjab will reopen on January 13, after a long holiday break.