The Higher Education Department of Punjab has officially announced that the winter vacation schedule for all public and private colleges and universities across the province will remain closed from December 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
The Punjab government has announced the winter vacation schedule for public and private schools across the province. As stated by Khalid Nazir Wattoo, Secretary of Schools Punjab, schools will have an extended winter break from December 20, 2024, to January 10, 2025.
Lahore High Court’s Orders on School Transportation
The timing of these vacations coincides with recent judicial interventions aimed at combating the smog crisis in Punjab. The Lahore High Court (LHC) has mandated pick-and-drop services for schoolchildren post-winter break. Justice Shahid Karim of the LHC outlined these directives in a detailed order, emphasizing the necessity of school-provided transportation to reduce smog exposure among students. Schools that fail to implement these measures risk being sealed, underscoring the seriousness of the directive.
Beyond Punjab, other provinces have also adjusted their academic schedules in response to seasonal conditions. The Education Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has set the vacation period for schools in plain areas from December 22 to December 31, while those in hilly regions will break until February 28. Similarly, in Balochistan, educational institutions in colder regions, including Quetta, have begun their winter break, which will last until the end of February. Warmer areas in Balochistan will observe a 10-day vacation from January 1 to January 10.
These coordinated vacation schedules across various provinces address climatic needs and respond to environmental challenges like smog. The educational authorities continue to adapt, ensuring the well-being of students while maintaining compliance with legal mandates aimed at environmental conservation.
