Government Notification Issued
Lahore — The Punjab government has announced new school timings across the province following the end of summer holidays. According to a notification issued by the Punjab School Education Department, the revised schedule came into effect on 1 September 2025 and will remain in place until 15 October 2025.
Officials said the decision was taken to align school hours with weather conditions, student convenience, and the continuity of academic activities. All government schools in Punjab are required to follow the updated timetable.
Timings for Single-Shift Schools
Under the new arrangement, single-shift schools will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, classes will conclude earlier, with schools closing at 12:00 noon.
The department explained that this adjustment allows students and teachers to complete their schedules before peak afternoon heat, which remains a concern in many districts during early September.
Timings for Double-Shift Schools
Separate schedules have been announced for schools operating in double shifts.
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Morning shift: Monday to Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Fridays, ending at 12:00 noon.
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Evening shift: Monday to Thursday, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Fridays, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m..
Education officials noted that the staggered system is designed to manage student numbers more effectively in densely populated areas where school buildings cannot accommodate all students in a single shift.
Rationale Behind the Change
The Punjab School Education Department stated that the changes were introduced after careful consideration of weather conditions, classroom capacity, and academic continuity.
September often remains hot and humid in much of Punjab, with daytime temperatures averaging between 34°C and 38°C. Authorities believe shorter and adjusted hours will prevent excessive strain on students, especially younger children.
The department also emphasized that punctuality and adherence to the schedule are essential for ensuring that teaching hours are not compromised.
Parents and Teachers Urged to Prepare
Parents, teachers, and students have been asked to prepare themselves for the new timings to avoid disruption to learning. The notification underlined that timely adjustment will help maintain discipline and ensure smooth academic progress.
School principals and district education authorities have also been directed to monitor compliance and report any irregularities.
Wider Context: Heat and School Policies in Pakistan
This is not the first time Punjab has revised school hours. In recent years, similar changes have been made in response to prolonged heatwaves, smog, and other weather-related concerns.
For example, in May 2024, schools in Lahore and several other districts were closed temporarily due to extreme temperatures exceeding 45°C. In some cases, holidays were extended to protect children from heat-related illnesses.
Such adjustments highlight the growing challenge of climate-related disruptions to education in Pakistan. UNICEF has previously warned that children in South Asia are among the most vulnerable to climate extremes, which can directly affect their schooling.
Looking Ahead
While the new timings are scheduled to remain in place until 15 October, officials have indicated that further adjustments could be made if weather conditions worsen or if academic needs change.
The provincial government has assured parents that all decisions will continue to prioritize student safety and the smooth running of the education system.
For now, both single-shift and double-shift schools across Punjab are expected to strictly follow the new hours, ensuring that students can resume learning with minimal disruption after the summer break.
