The Federal Directorate of Education in Islamabad has updated the winter operating hours for educational institutions in the federal capital.
According to the latest notification, schools will now operate from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Fridays. Morning shift schools will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., while evening shift schools will operate from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. These changes utilize the shorter daylight hours during the winter, optimizing the schedule for students and faculty.
On November 18, the Punjab government revised its school operation guidelines to enhance safety amid persistent air quality and smog issues. Schools outside Lahore and Multan resumed classes today, per the provincial government’s notification.
This notification requires all students, teachers, and staff to wear masks. School administrations are tasked with enforcing this mandate. Furthermore, all outdoor sports and extracurricular activities are suspended until further notice. Schools have been instructed to stagger break times by grade level to minimize traffic congestion.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb commented on the measures, explaining that these tough decisions were necessary to safeguard public health. She noted improvements in the smog conditions in Punjab, which were attributed to changes in the direction and speed of the eastern winds.
