LAHORE (Kashmir English): In response to the intensifying heatwave, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced on Tuesday that school timings school timingsacross the province will be revised starting May 21, in an effort to protect students and staff from dangerously high temperatures.
With the new timings, schools across Punjab will operate from 7:30am to 11:30am, ensuring students can leave before the hottest period of the day. It seeks to offer fast help and protect people from extreme daytime temperatures.
Since the heatwave does not seem to be easing, every needed step should be taken to ensure the safety of students. With the time adjustment made, the minister further shared that the summer vacation for students in Punjab in 2025 will start earlier than planned.
As a result of extreme weather conditions, the decision was made to postpone holidays to May 28. Whilst academic interruptions were a problem early in the year, Hayat said that right now, safeguarding kids in the heat takes priority.
Staff at schools and parents are advised to get familiar with the changes and make timely preparations to steer clear of any confusion.
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
Heatwave in Pakistan
The extreme heat has continued to affect several regions across Pakistan. According to the Meteorological Department, daytime temperatures in Sindh, South Punjab and Balochistan are expected to remain 4–6°C above average.
Central and Upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan could see 5–7°C above-normal temperatures.
The country’s highest temperature of 48°C was recorded in Dadu and Jacobabad, while cities such as Larkana, Rohri and Sibi reached 46°C. Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Muzaffarabad each registered 41°C, with Islamabad at 39°C.
Quetta, Karachi, and Gilgit reported 36°C, 35°C, and 34°C respectively.
The Meteorological Department has advised the public, particularly children, the elderly, and those with health conditions, to remain indoors during peak hours and follow heatwave safety tips.
