After days of uncertainty caused by viral messages and unofficial notices, the Punjab government has clearly confirmed the school reopening date as January 19, 2026. The clarification comes after parents, teachers, and students were left confused by conflicting claims circulating on social media about possible changes to the winter vacation schedule.
What Caused the Confusion
Over the past few days, screenshots of unverified notifications and forwarded messages suggested that winter vacations for schools and colleges were either being extended further or ending earlier than expected. This led many families to delay travel plans and left schools unsure about attendance arrangements.
To put an end to the speculation, Rana Sikandar Hayat addressed the issue publicly, stating that no new changes had been approved and that educational institutions would reopen strictly according to the government’s final schedule.
Official Reopening Date
As per the confirmed position:
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All public and private schools will reopen on January 19, 2026
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No additional extension to winter vacations has been announced
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Any information suggesting otherwise is not official
Education authorities have advised parents and school administrations to rely only on government statements and notifications issued through official channels.
Why the Date Was Adjusted
The reopening date follows the winter vacation period announced earlier in response to cold weather conditions across many districts of Punjab. The revised return date allows schools a buffer after the holiday period, helping ensure smoother attendance and preparation as classes resume.
Officials emphasized that while weather conditions are monitored regularly, no further changes are planned at this stage.
Advice for Parents and Schools
Parents are encouraged to prepare children for the January 19 reopening and avoid acting on social media claims that lack official confirmation. Schools have also been directed to resume academic activities from the same date without making independent changes to calendars.
The education department has reiterated that fake notifications create unnecessary panic and disrupt learning schedules.
FAQ
Have winter vacations been extended again?
No. There is no new extension beyond the announced schedule.
Do colleges reopen on the same date?
Yes, unless a separate official notice is issued.
For now, the message from the Government of Punjab is clear: schools will reopen on January 19, 2026, and any claims suggesting otherwise should be ignored.
This article is published for informational and educational purposes only. nise.org.pk is not an official government website and is not affiliated with any government department. Readers are advised to verify all information from official sources before taking any action.
