The Punjab government is gearing up to announce winter vacations this December, primarily to tackle the smog crisis and cold weather. The move aims to safeguard students’ health, especially in regions like Potohar and Murree, where air quality has taken a hit recently.
District Education Authority officials shared that the proposed break would last for 20 days, starting in late December and ending on January 10, 2025. Khalid Nazir Wattoo, Punjab Secretary Schools, emphasized that the decision is crucial to address the severe smog conditions affecting daily life.
But not everyone agrees. The Private Schools Association is pushing back, urging a reduction in the planned winter break. Abrar Ahmed Khan, the president of the association for North Punjab, expressed concerns over the disrupted academic calendar. He pointed out that schools had already faced closures earlier this year due to long summer vacations, smog-related shutdowns, and public protests. Khan suggested a shorter 10-day vacation starting January 1 to avoid further academic losses.
Last month’s alarming air pollution levels led to school closures in cities like Lahore. The smog crisis has reignited discussions on finding sustainable solutions to improve air quality and protect public health.
As the government finalizes its decision, the debate between health priorities and education disruption continues. With such challenges mounting each year, it’s clear that Punjab needs a balanced strategy to ensure both education and health are not compromised.
