As smog and winter conditions intensify across Punjab, the provincial government has announced revised school timings to protect students’ health, ARY News reported on Monday.
The new schedule takes effect from Monday, October 27, 2025, and will remain in place until April 15, 2026.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat revealed the updated timings on Sunday, stating that all schools will now open at 8:45 am and close at 1:30 pm.
According to the official notification:
- Single-shift schools will operate from 8:45 am to 1:30 pm, ending at 12:30 pm on Fridays.
- Double-shift schools will have the first shift from 8:45 am to 1:30 pm and the second shift from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
- Teachers must remain on duty from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, and until 12:30 pm on Fridays.
- Schools will also open on alternate Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.
District Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) have been granted a 15-minute flexibility to adjust the schedule according to local weather conditions.
Officials emphasized that the decision was made after assessing worsening air quality and lower morning temperatures, aiming to reduce children’s exposure to smog during peak pollution hours.
The Education Department stated that the revised timings are a precautionary measure to safeguard the health of students and staff, and the schedule will remain effective until the air quality and weather conditions improve.
