Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced on Monday that schools across the province will reopen starting April 1, following a five-day in-person schedule.
Clarifying Fake Notifications
Earlier, a notification circulating on social media suggested that schools would operate for only four days a week. The education minister clarified that this was fake and urged students and parents not to follow misinformation.
“Educational institutions will remain open five days a week,” he emphasized. He also confirmed that all classes will be conducted in-person, ruling out any hybrid or online arrangements.
Schools Closed Due to Economic Measures
The provincial government had ordered the closure of schools from March 10 to 31 as part of efforts to ease economic pressures caused by rising petroleum prices, which have surged amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Punjab Considers Extending School Holidays, Early Market Closures Amid Energy Crisis
Rana Sikandar Hayat reinforced the importance of attending physical classes, stating:
“We cannot shift towards online classes; come to school and study. Universities, colleges, and schools will all function for five days a week.”
Prime Minister’s Advisory
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and support the government’s austerity measures, introduced in response to the economic challenges arising from the US-Israel war on Iran.
The reopening of schools marks a step toward normalcy in the education sector while maintaining focus on economic and regional challenges affecting Pakistan.
