Punjab Announces Partial Reopening of Schools from August 18
The Punjab government has decided to partially reopen educational institutions after consultations with all stakeholders, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat confirmed on Wednesday.
According to the minister, classes for grades 9 and 10, Intermediate, O Level, and A Level students will resume from August 18 in both public and private schools. However, classes for grades 1 to 8 will remain suspended until August 31.
Reason Behind the Decision
Earlier, Punjab had extended summer vacations for all schools until August 31 due to the ongoing heatwave. The move, however, drew criticism from private schools, which warned it could disrupt the academic calendar and affect exam preparation.
The All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association had strongly opposed the extended closure, calling it unnecessary and harmful to students’ learning progress.
Officials say the decision to reopen higher classes aims to strike a balance between student safety and academic needs.
