Schools Winter Vacations Punjab 2024-25 Officially Announced

Lahore, December 17, 2024 – The Punjab government has officially declared winter vacations for all public and private schools across the province. The announcement comes as part of a strategic decision by the School Education Department, ensuring both educational consistency and the health and safety of students amidst rising smog levels.

Official Winter Vacation Schedule

• Vacation Period: December 20, 2024 – January 10, 2025
• Reopening Date: January 13, 2025 (following the weekend on January 11 and 12).

The notification specifies that all schools will strictly adhere to these dates.

Mandatory Health and Safety Protocols

The government has reiterated the importance of compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures, including:

• Mandatory Face Masks: Wearing face masks remains compulsory for students, teachers, and staff on school premises.
• Regular Sanitization: Schools are advised to maintain high standards of hygiene and conduct regular sanitization drives.

These measures aim to safeguard the health of all individuals involved in the education sector.

Smog Prevention Measures Ordered by Lahore High Court

In a parallel development, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued a significant ruling to address the severe smog problem in Lahore and other parts of Punjab.

Court-Ordered Directives:

1. Transportation for Students:
   • Schools must provide pick-and-drop services for students to minimize the use of individual vehicles.
   • This initiative is expected to reduce vehicular emissions, a major contributor to air pollution.
2. Enforcement and Compliance:
   • Schools that fail to comply with these directives risk immediate closure or sealing.
   • Institutions are strictly prohibited from issuing disclaimers or transferring transportation responsibilities to parents or guardians.
3. Public Awareness:
   • Schools are encouraged to educate students and parents about the importance of sustainable commuting practices to combat air pollution.

This ruling, issued by Justice Shahid Karim, is part of a larger environmental strategy to tackle the worsening smog crisis.

Sindh’s Winter Vacation Announcement

In a similar move, the Sindh government has also announced winter vacations for educational institutions, albeit for a shorter duration.

• Vacation Period: December 21 – December 31, 2024
• Reopening Date: January 1, 2025 (Wednesday).

This decision was finalized in consultation with the Steering Committee of the Sindh Education Department to ensure uniformity across public and private schools in the province.

Also Read: Rs 200 Prize Bond Draw: December 2024 Winner Announced

Implications of the Announcements

For Punjab:

1. Student Well-being: The extended break provides much-needed relief from academic stress and hazardous smog conditions.
2. Environmental Benefits: The mandatory transport system will reduce emissions and promote cleaner air quality.

For Sindh:

1. Shorter Break: Sindh’s decision reflects local needs, ensuring minimal disruption to the academic calendar.
2. Aligned Decisions: Coordinated efforts between public and private institutions highlight a unified approach.

Final Recommendations for Parents and Schools

1. Schools:
   • Prepare transport systems to comply with LHC directives.
   • Ensure all staff and students follow health and safety protocols.
2. Parents:
   • Encourage children to adhere to mask mandates and other safety measures.
   • Utilize the school transport system to contribute to the environmental initiative.

This synchronized effort between government authorities, schools, and families will ensure a safe and healthy winter break for all.