LAHORE: Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has categorically rejected the circulating claims suggesting that schools across Punjab are either shutting down or transitioning to virtual learning. In a clear and firm statement shared on the social media platform X, the minister reassured the public that all educational institutions in the province are operating normally and that academic routines will proceed without any interruptions.
He emphasized that there are no plans whatsoever to close schools or to replace traditional classroom teaching with online sessions. This clarification comes at a crucial time as annual examinations draw near, and the minister made it explicitly clear that neither the exams nor the classes will be conducted online. He stressed that such a move is not under consideration by the education authorities.
Rana Sikandar Hayat addressed the widespread misinformation head-on, labeling the rumors about school closures as completely unfounded. He appealed directly to parents and students to disregard these false reports and instead concentrate on their studies and exam preparations. The minister reiterated the government’s firm commitment to ensuring that the academic calendar is completed on schedule, without any disruptions caused by closures or shifts in the mode of instruction.
The confusion appears to have stemmed from recent announcements concerning school holidays in Islamabad, where federal educational institutions are observing a combined break for spring and Eid-ul-Fitr. Specifically, schools in Islamabad will be closed from Tuesday, March 24, through Friday, March 27, followed by the weekend on March 28 and 29. Classes are set to resume on Monday, March 30, as per official notifications. This extended holiday period was designed to provide students and staff with a longer rest during the festive season.
Adding to the clarity, Director Academics Riffat Jabeen has urged all teaching personnel to be present on March 30, the day when in-house annual examination results will be announced. This further underscores that academic activities are continuing as planned and that there is no disruption in the school schedule.
Authorities have confirmed that the spring break in Islamabad has been strategically aligned with the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, which are expected to be observed nationwide from Friday, March 20, to Monday, March 23, 2026. This synchronization aims to maximize the holiday period for students and staff, allowing them ample time for rest and celebration without affecting the academic timetable in Punjab or other provinces.
In summary, the Punjab Education Minister’s firm stance dispels any doubts about the continuity of in-person education in the province. As the examination season approaches, the focus remains firmly on maintaining stability in the education system and supporting students in their academic endeavors.
