The Punjab Education Department has declared that all schools in the province will remain closed on Fridays. Under the new directive, educational institutions will operate from Monday through Thursday, applying to both government and private schools.
Schools across Punjab reopened on April 1 after a 22-day closure from March 10 to 31. This shutdown was part of federal government efforts to conserve fuel amid rising global oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. During the closure, online classes continued and examinations were conducted as scheduled.
The updated school schedule specifies that regular schools will run from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday. For schools operating in two shifts, the first shift will be from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while the second shift will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Sindh government also announced the reopening of educational institutions a day earlier. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon confirmed that physical classes would resume across all schools, colleges, and universities from April 1, replacing online learning. He noted that all educational institutions in Sindh will remain closed on Saturdays.
Additionally, Sindh Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah stated that the new academic year in Sindh would commence on April 1, with a two-day weekend observed on Saturday and Sunday. He extended his best wishes for the academic year and encouraged students and staff to fully engage in face-to-face education.
