Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has made a major announcement regarding winter vacations in educational institutions.
According to details, the Provincial Education Minister has issued a clarification in response to circulating reports concerning the closure of schools in Punjab due to smog.
In a statement shared on social media, the Provincial Education Minister affirmed that all schools across Punjab remain open according to their regular schedules, and educational activities will continue as planned.
He categorically denied rumors circulating on social media, which claimed that the government had decided to close schools or commence winter vacations early due to hazardous air pollution.
Rana Sikandar Hayat urged the public and parents not to pay heed to fake news, reiterating that schools will remain open as scheduled.
The government has not made any decision to grant additional holidays or to begin winter vacations early on account of smog.
Meanwhile, there is growing concern among parents and students, as the severity of air pollution in Lahore and various other cities across Punjab has reached dangerous levels; in some areas, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has even surpassed 400.
Meanwhile, school timings have already been adjusted to mitigate the impact of smog; under this arrangement, single-shift government schools operate from 8:45 AM to 1:30 PM (Monday to Thursday), and until 12:30 PM on Fridays.
According to reports, winter vacations in Punjab are expected to begin on December 21 or 22; however, the government has not yet issued an official notification confirming the final dates.
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