In a welcome announcement from the Provincial Education Department of Punjab, schools throughout the region are gearing up to resume regular operations starting February 1, 2024, as the winter session draws to a close on January 31.
As per government regulations, both public and private schools will adhere to a schedule from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays, and a slightly shortened day from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Fridays until the end of January.
The interim government of Punjab took proactive measures earlier on January 8 by modifying the winter schedule for all state-run and private schools to address specific seasonal challenges. With February 1 just around the corner, schools will revert to their standard operating hours.
The official advisory released by the education department on January 2, 2024, underlined the importance of returning to normal school times and issued directives to the heads and principals of both public and private schools. Chief Executive Officers (DEA) in Punjab were also instructed to ensure strict compliance with the provided guidelines.
Notably, the recent three-day period has brought about a significant improvement in weather conditions, with a noticeable reduction in cold temperatures. This positive shift has resulted in a decrease in fog prevalence in Lahore, a city previously grappling with smog-related challenges.
The positive trend extends beyond Lahore to other cities like Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Narowal, where dense fog had previously disrupted travel during the night and early morning hours. The improved visibility is anticipated to alleviate commuting challenges that arose due to adverse weather conditions, promising a smoother transition as schools resume normal operations.
