On May 19, 2025, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced that all schools would start their summer vacations on May 28, moving up the original date of June 1 due to an intense heatwave.
Starting May 21, school hours will be adjusted to operate from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM to protect students from rising temperatures. This decision prioritises the safety of students amid extreme weather conditions.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a heatwave advisory for May 20–24, predicting temperatures 4–7°C above normal. Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan are expected to see temperatures of 4–6°C, while central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may experience rises of 5–7°C. On May 19, Dadu and Jacobabad recorded temperatures of 48°C. The PMD has warned of the possibility of dust storms and advised people to avoid direct sun exposure from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Read: Pakistan Braces for Heatwave May 20–24, PMD Warns of 48°C Temps
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has instructed schools to suspend outdoor activities, ensure cold water availability, and maintain cooling systems. Students are advised to wear light clothing and stay hydrated. Farmers are urged to adjust their crop and livestock care in response to changing conditions, while authorities prepare for potential glacier snowmelt in the northern areas.
Minister Hayat emphasised the importance of ongoing consultations to address academic losses while ensuring student safety. This follows the directives from the PDMA in April, which suggested altering school hours or declaring early holidays if the heat continues. The revised schedules and vacation days are intended to minimise disruptions while protecting students. Schools had previously been advised last month to adjust to the excessive heat.
