As the winter season approaches, the Punjab Education Department has confirmed that new school timings will soon take effect across the province. The changes, set to begin from October 20, 2025, are designed to ensure the safety and comfort of students during the colder months. However, parents can relax — the weekly Saturday holiday will remain unchanged despite the recent wave of online rumors.
New Winter Schedule Under Review
According to official updates, the proposed winter timings have been forwarded to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for final approval. Once the proposal is signed, an official notification will be sent to all public and private schools in Punjab.
The revised schedule will likely remain effective until March 2026, after which schools will return to their regular summer timings. The change will apply to all government and private educational institutions, ensuring uniformity across the province.
What’s Changing This Winter?
Winter mornings in Punjab are known for heavy fog and a sharp drop in temperature, especially in central and southern regions. To ensure that students travel safely to school, the department is planning to reduce morning school hours.
Key points expected in the updated winter schedule include:
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Shorter morning hours to allow more daylight during school commutes.
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Separate timing slots for boys’ and girls’ schools to manage traffic and improve safety.
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Implementation from October 20, 2025, valid until March 2026.
Once approved, detailed timings will be shared through an official circular distributed to all District Education Authorities (DEAs).
No Change to Saturday Holiday
In recent days, social media was flooded with claims that the Punjab government planned to cancel the Saturday off-day for schools. This led to confusion among parents, students, and teachers.
However, Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has clearly denied these rumors. In an official statement, he said that the Saturday holiday remains unchanged, adding that reports about its cancellation were “completely baseless.”
He assured that the two-day weekend — Saturday and Sunday — will continue, and there are no plans to alter the existing weekly schedule. The minister urged citizens not to believe unverified information spread online and to rely only on official announcements from the Education Department.
Why the Change Happens Every Year
Adjusting school timings for winter is not a new move. Each year, as temperatures drop and fog becomes more frequent, the government revises school hours to protect students from harsh weather conditions and early-morning visibility issues.
These changes are especially important in areas like Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Bahawalpur, where dense fog can make travel difficult. The shorter school mornings ensure that children can start their day safely and comfortably without exposure to extreme cold.
What Parents Should Do
Parents and guardians are advised to wait for the official notification before adjusting school routines. The finalized schedule will be shared soon after Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz gives her approval. Schools are expected to communicate the exact opening and closing times once the official notice is received.
In the meantime, families can prepare for colder mornings by ensuring children have warm clothing and safe transport options during foggy days.
In Summary
| Topic | Status (as of October 2025) |
|---|---|
| Saturday Holiday | Still observed (no change) |
| Winter Timings Notification | Awaiting CM approval |
| Effective Date | October 20, 2025 |
| Valid Until | March 2026 |
| Education Minister’s Statement | “No change in weekly holidays.” |
Final Word
The Punjab government’s upcoming winter schedule focuses on student safety, not structural changes to the school week. Parents can rest assured that the Saturday holiday will continue, while the only adjustment will be the winter timing routine, effective later this month.
Stay tuned to official education channels for the confirmed schedule — and remember, don’t believe every rumor you see online.