As cold weather continues across Punjab, speculation about a possible extension of winter vacations has circulated widely on social media. Many users reported that schools and colleges would remain closed beyond January 12 due to severe weather.
However, Rana Sikandar Hayat, the Provincial Education Minister, has firmly dismissed these reports. He clarified that all schools and colleges across Punjab will reopen as scheduled on January 12, with no change to the academic calendar.
The minister described the rumours as baseless and misleading. He urged parents, students, and teachers to rely only on official announcements and avoid spreading unverified information. He also instructed educational institutions to complete preparations for the timely resumption of academic activities.
School & College Holidays Will NOT Be Extended.
Pls Avoid Fake News
— Rana Sikandar Hayat (@RanaSikandarH) January 4, 2026Meanwhile, Punjab continues to experience severe winter conditions. Meteorological forecasts indicate very cold and dry weather across most districts. Extremely low temperatures are expected in Murree, Galiyat, and surrounding hilly areas, with cloudy skies and light rain or snowfall possible during the evening and overnight hours.
Sindh Private Schools Announce Protest and Strike
In a separate development, private educational institutions in Sindh have announced a province-wide protest. The Grand Alliance of Private School Associations Sindh (GAPSAS) has declared a shutdown strike for schools and colleges on January 9.
Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, GAPSAS leaders expressed serious concerns about actions taken by the Anti-Corruption Establishment in verifying free-admission lists.
Read: Punjab Schools Reopen on January 12, Confirms Education Minister
They said that, following a verdict by the Sindh High Court Sukkur Bench on December 8, the Anti-Corruption Department was tasked with verifying free admissions through official records. However, they alleged that the department has since begun direct inspections of schools, which they consider intrusive.
“Black Day will be observed in all private schools on 8 January to protest Anti-Corruption Department interference,” said Haider Ali, Chairman of the All Sindh Private Schools and Colleges Association. #PrivateSchools #Strike #TOKReports pic.twitter.com/HO2x2z6S0W
— Times of Karachi (@TOKCityOfLights) January 5, 2026According to the alliance, such actions violate the Sindh Private Educational Institutions (Regulation and Control) Act 2013. They maintained that the Directorate of Private Institutions is the sole legal authority to regulate private schools and that any intervention by another body is unlawful.
GAPSAS leaders claimed the inspections have created fear, mental stress, and unrest among students, staff, and parents. They also criticised the presence of armed personnel on school premises, calling it inappropriate for an educational environment.
The alliance further stated that parents are facing unnecessary hardship due to repeated questioning, despite having already submitted the required data and undertakings.
Calling on the Chief Minister of Sindh and the provincial education minister to intervene, GAPSAS demanded an immediate halt to direct Anti-Corruption entries into schools. They also announced plans to file a fresh petition in the Sindh High Court to stop the verification process.
