Punjab’s schools and colleges closed their doors in early June as temperatures soared beyond safe limits. For two long months, classrooms lay empty, playgrounds grew silent, and lesson plans were shelved. The heatwave forced the government to keep nearly all educational institutions shut, leaving parents frustrated and students behind on their studies.
Now, Punjab’s Education Minister has announced a phased reopening—some students will get back to class this week, while others must wait. This change comes after weeks of tension between government officials and private school associations, both eager to get students learning again but at odds over health and safety.
This update marks a turning point for millions across the province. Teachers are preparing catch-up plans, students are dusting off textbooks, and families are anxious to see a return to routine. Understanding the reopening schedule and what sparked the debate gives everyone a much-needed sense of direction.
Details of Punjab’s Phased Reopening Plan
The government’s reopening plan, revealed on August 13, outlines a staggered schedule based on grade levels. Officials say this approach balances the risks of the heatwave with the need for students to resume studies as soon as possible.
Both public and private institutions must follow the announced dates, though talks are ongoing about flexibility for certain areas and school types. The policy covers mainstream schools, higher secondary colleges, Cambridge system campuses, and tuition centers.
Schedule for Grades 9, 10, O/A Levels, and Intermediate
Starting August 18, students in Grades 9 and 10, along with those in O/A Levels and Intermediate, can return to school. This applies to both public and private institutions, with no exceptions.
| Group | Reopening Date | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Grades 9, 10 | August 18 | Public & Private |
| O Levels/A Levels (Cambridge System) | August 18 | Public & Private |
| Intermediate (FA/FSc/ICS/ICom) | August 18 | Public & Private |
Teachers in these grades have already been called back to prepare for students’ return. After weeks of remote lessons and uncertainty, in-person classes for these groups signal a return to academic focus, especially with final exams only a few months away.
Continued Suspension for Grades 1 to 8
For students in Grades 1 through 8, the wait continues until August 31. The Education Department cited concerns about younger children’s ability to cope with ongoing extreme heat. Many primary schools lack air conditioning or proper shade, making them unsafe during peak summer weather.
Officials point to medical advice on children’s heat sensitivity and the rising risk of heat stroke when daily highs exceed 40°C. The extension applies uniformly across public and private schools, with no early reopening unless a new directive is issued.
Stakeholder Responses and Ongoing Controversy
Not everyone agrees with the summer break extension. While the government supports the cautious approach, parents, private school owners, and student groups have voiced loud criticism.
The heated debate centers on whether health risks outweigh academic setbacks and whether private schools should have more input into reopening decisions.
Private Schools’ Concerns and Criticism
The All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association has been especially vocal. Leaders argue that extended closures hurt students more than help them. They claim private institutions are better prepared to keep classrooms cool, pointing to investments in generators and cooling units.
Private schools stress the learning gap is growing wider, especially for students without internet access. They warn of lost tuition fees, disrupted exam schedules, and damage to students’ motivation. In public statements, representatives asked the government to “let parents decide” if their children should return, citing cases where families want the option of early reopening.
Government’s Position and Justifications
Punjab government officials respond that health and safety must come first. Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat says recent hospitalizations from heat exhaustion prove the risk isn’t just theoretical. Officials mention that while older students can tolerate higher temperatures, younger children face more danger—and many government-run schools lack the infrastructure to cool classrooms.
The government also reminds the public that any decision to reopen will be reviewed if the heatwave worsens again. They insist the policy protects the largest number of students and educators possible, even if it means academic sacrifices.
Potential Impact on Academic Calendar and Exams
The reopening schedule cuts deeply into the academic calendar. Students in Board exam years, O/A Levels, and Intermediate classes have lost precious weeks for lectures, test prep, and project work. Teachers now face the daunting task of speeding up lessons while still covering all required content.
Exam boards may need to adjust test schedules if classes don’t resume for everyone by early September. Private school groups worry that international exams, like Cambridge O and A Levels, may not be delayed, putting their students at risk of falling behind their peers elsewhere. The situation leaves many wondering how they’ll fit make-up courses, assessments, and extracurriculars into an already tight school year.
Finding Balance: Academic Needs vs Safety
The debate over Punjab’s school reopening highlights a tough balancing act. On one hand, the government wants to shield children from heat-related illness. On the other, educators and families see the mounting cost of lost classroom time.
This episode underscores the need for flexible policies that can adapt to weather emergencies without derailing learning for months on end. Going forward, school leaders may need to prepare buildings for extreme weather and invest in hybrid teaching models that keep students engaged when emergencies disrupt routines.
The decisions made this summer will shape the new academic year. Ongoing dialogue—between government, schools, and families—is the only way to keep education strong and safe, whatever challenges the next season brings.
