Key points
- Punjab education minister in Pakistan announces summer vacation
- New school timings announced for week before vacation
- Pakistan Met Office predicts heatwave for current week
ISLAMABAD: Summer vacation for schools across Pakistan’s Punjab province are set to start on May 28, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced on Tuesday amid an intensifying heatwave gripping the province.
Hayat emphasised the government’s concern for the safety and well-being of students and staff in light of the severe heat.
All public & private schools across Punjab will remain closed for summer vacations from 28th May to 14th August 2025. Revised school timings will be 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM from 21st to 27th May 2025. Teachers will continue professional & academic duties during this period.
Schools… pic.twitter.com/iC49FyC95W— Rana Sikandar Hayat (@RanaSikandarH) May 20, 2025
The minister said that relevant departments have already issued comprehensive safety instructions to the public, and the early announcement of summer vacation aligns with these precautionary measures.
Immediate change
In a statement posted on social media, the minister also announced an immediate change in school working hours, effective from tomorrow i.e. May 21.
“New School Timings = 7 30 am to 11 30 am,” Hayat posted on his X account. “School Holidays Start from The 28th of May (28th will be a Holiday).”
New School Timings =
7 30 am to 11 30 am.
School Holidays Start from The 28th of May(28th will be a Holiday).— Rana Sikandar Hayat (@RanaSikandarH) May 20, 2025
Pakistan state-run television, PTV reported that the Met Office has predicted a high-pressure system is likely to persist in the upper atmosphere, and the heatwave is expected to continue throughout the current week.
“Above normal”
The Met Office stated that under the influence of this meteorological condition, daytime temperatures are likely to remain 4 to 6°C above normal in the southern half of the country from today until Saturday.
Mainly hot and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country while, very hot in plain areas during day time.#PMD #pmdweather #heatwave2025 #WeatherAlert
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) May 20, 2025
Daytime temperatures are also expected to remain 5 to 7°C above normal in the northern and central regions during the same period, according to PTV.
Due to the heatwave conditions across the country, the general public—especially children, women, and senior citizens—are advised to take precautionary measures. They should avoid exposure to direct sunlight during the daytime and stay well hydrated.
Farmers are also advised to manage their crop activities according to the latest weather conditions and take extra care of their livestock.
