The Punjab government has announced that all educational institutions across the province will reopen from 1 April 2026. Authorities had closed schools and colleges earlier in March due to a fuel crisis and mounting economic pressures.
Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said that all classes will take place on campus. He ruled out any option for online or hybrid learning after the reopening.
The minister added that institutions must operate five days a week. He rejected proposals to cut on‑campus classes to three or four days.
Rana Sikandar Hayat also urged students to refocus on their studies. He asked them to work hard to recover from the academic losses caused by the nearly three‑week break.
Read: Sindh School Closure March 2026 Announced Until March 31
The Punjab government had first announced the closure of all educational institutions on 9 March 2026. The shutdown came as Pakistan faced a sharp rise in fuel prices.
Global oil prices surged amid tensions in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route. As a result, petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan jumped by around 20 per cent.
During the closure period from 10 March to 31 March 2026, teaching continued through online platforms. With the new decision, all public and private institutions in Punjab will resume regular in‑person classes from 1 April.
