Educational institutions in Punjab will remain closed on Friday, January 16, following a decision by the provincial government to extend winter vacations. This update comes as families across the country seek clarity on whether a nationwide public holiday has been declared. Official government schedules show that January 16 coincides with the religious occasion of Shab e Meraj, but this date is classified as an optional holiday rather than a general public holiday for the entire population.
The Punjab School Education Department and the Higher Education Department issued these directives to protect students from a severe cold wave. According to a report by DAWN News, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced the extension after consulting with relevant authorities. The minister stated:
“In view of the prolonged severe winter spell and the forecast of extremely low temperatures in the coming days, and on the advice of PDMA, the Government of Punjab has decided to extend winter vacations until January 19.”
A separate notification from the Higher Education Department regarding colleges and universities clarified the reopening date. The document noted:
“All colleges (public and private) shall re-open on Monday, January 19, 2026, resuming [the] full/normal week for all classes.”
Status of Public and Private Services on January 16
- Schools and Colleges in Punjab: These institutions are closed on Friday and will resume classes on Monday.
- Banks and Financial Institutions: All bank branches will remain open for public dealing as no national bank holiday is scheduled.
- Federal Government Offices: Offices under the federal administration will stay functional across the country.
- Sindh and Other Provinces: Educational institutions in Sindh have not announced a closure. Instead, the Sindh government has adjusted school timings to start at 9:00 AM to accommodate the winter weather.
- Private Sector: Most private offices and businesses will maintain their regular working hours.
Understanding the Optional Holiday
January 16 marks Shab e Meraj in the Islamic calendar for the year 2026. Official federal notifications list this as an optional holiday. This classification allows employees from specific groups or religious backgrounds to request a day off if they choose. It does not result in the closure of government departments or commercial markets nationwide.
The confusion regarding a nationwide holiday grew after social media posts misinterpreted the Punjab school extension as a federal announcement. Parents should refer to the following verified facts:
- The school closure only applies to Punjab.
- Examinations scheduled by boards or universities may still proceed as planned.
- Emergency services and hospitals will operate as usual without any change in their schedules.
Students and parents in other provinces should follow the instructions provided by their local education departments. In Sindh, the current notification regarding 9:00 AM school timings remains in effect until January 26. Balochistan schools are currently on their long winter break and are scheduled to reopen in early March.
