In a significant announcement, the Education Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has decided to extend winter vacations in all educational institutions across the province by an additional week. This extension comes as the region faces a severe cold wave, with temperatures continuing to plummet, posing risks to students’ health.
According to the notification issued on Monday, schools and colleges in KP, which were originally scheduled to reopen on January 1, will now remain closed until January 7, 2025.
Reasons Behind the Extension
The decision was taken in light of the harsh weather conditions in the province. Early morning school commutes in freezing temperatures have raised concerns for the well-being of students. The extension aims to provide relief to families and ensure children avoid exposure to extreme cold.
Earlier, KP authorities had announced winter vacations from December 22 to December 31 for plain areas, while in hilly regions, educational institutions were set to remain closed from December 22 until February 28.
Winter Vacation Updates in Other Provinces
Punjab:
In Punjab, the government announced a 20-day winter break for public and private schools. As per Secretary of Schools Punjab, Khalid Nazir Wattoo, the vacations will last from December 20, 2024, to January 10, 2025.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) also issued a directive to improve children’s commuting safety and reduce smog. In a recent order, LHC Justice Shahid Karim mandated that schools provide pick-and-drop services for students post-winter vacations.
Key Highlights of the LHC Decision:
- Schools must arrange transport for students to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
- The measure is aimed at mitigating smog, which has been a significant health concern in Punjab.
Severe Weather Conditions in KP
The current cold wave in KP has resulted in a drastic drop in temperatures, affecting daily life across the province. Authorities have urged residents to take necessary precautions, especially in the mornings and evenings when the mercury is at its lowest.
The extended winter vacations are a proactive step to ensure the safety and health of students during this challenging weather phase.
Conclusion
This decision reflects the government’s commitment to prioritizing student health and safety. Parents and school administrations have welcomed the move, as it allows additional time to prepare for reopening under safer and more manageable conditions.
Stay tuned for further updates on educational announcements and weather-related developments.
Table of Key Details
| Region | Initial Vacation Period | Extended/Revised Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | December 22 – December 31 | Now extended to January 7, 2025 |
| Punjab | December 20 – January 10, 2025 | No extension announced |
| Hilly Areas (KP) | December 22 – February 28, 2025 | No changes |
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