Major update on winter holidays
Punjab students, parents, and staff received a clear and official update about the Major update on winter holidays today from the Punjab Education Minister. After days of confusion caused by viral social media posts, Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat confirmed that schools and colleges will reopen on January 12, 2026, and there is no extension of the winter break. This announcement settles uncertainty and urges everyone to follow verified sources only.
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| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Winter holidays schedule | December 22, 2025 – January 10, 2026 (official) |
| Reopening date | January 12, 2026 |
| Minister statement | No extension; viral notification fake |
| Who confirmed | Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat |
| Social media rumors | Claimed holiday extension (fake) |
| Official sources to check | Government websites and verified news |
| Affected groups | Schools, Colleges, Students, Parents |
| Action advised | Ignore fake posts and check official channels |
What the Minister Officially Clarified Major update on winter holidays
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat dismissed viral reports that winter holidays had been extended. He stated that no official notification has been issued to prolong the school and college break. This major update on winter holidays confirms that the viral holiday extension notice is fake and unverified.
- No extension in holidays
- All institutions reopen on January 12
- Announcement backed by official departments
- Parents and students told to ignore fake messages
Authorities emphasize that decisions on academic calendars always come through official government channels and not forwarded messages.
Why Rumors Spread Quickly Major update on winter holidays
Misinformation about holiday extensions can spread fast for several reasons:
- Viral social media posts and screenshots
- Forwarded messages on WhatsApp groups
- No verification from official sources
- Concerned parents reacting to weather conditions
Unfortunately, this has led to confusion among families and students about when the academic term resumes.
1. What the Official Schedule Says Major update on winter holidays
Here’s a bullet-point summary of the official academic calendar as confirmed by government statements:
- Winter holidays started: December 22, 2025
- Winter holidays ended: January 10, 2026
- Schools and colleges reopen: January 12, 2026
- All public and private institutions follow the same schedule
This information has been verified from official government updates and top Google sources like mainstream Pakistani news outlets.
Parents’ and Students’ Checklist
To avoid confusion and stay informed, here’s a quick checklist:
- Ignore forwarded holiday extension posts
- Follow official announcements from the Education Department
- Check trusted news websites for updates
- Contact your school directly if unsure
Verification of messages before sharing is essential to stop the spread of misinformation.

2. Official Communication Channels to Follow Major update on winter holidays
For authentic information related to academic schedules:
- Official Punjab Government Website
- Punjab School Education Department notifications
- Verified news media outlets (e.g., major newspapers and news portals)
- Official social media accounts of the Education Minister
Always cross‑check any updates with these reliable sources.
Helpline & Contact – Punjab Education Support
Here are useful contact points if you need official assistance or want to confirm notices:
- Punjab School Education Department
Phone: +92‑42‑99202739 (General office)
Website: schoolportal.punjab.gov.pk - Punjab Education Minister Office
Official contact via government directory - Punjab Government Information Services
115 (Punjab Citizen Portal) - Education Complaints & Support
Email: info@schoolportal.punjab.gov.pk
(These helplines and contact details are widely published on government and local sources for public use.)
3. Why This Update Matters
This major update helps restore clarity on the academic calendar for millions of students in Punjab. Knowing the exact schedule allows:
- Families to plan school preparations
- Teachers to organize lesson plans
- Students to get ready for classes and exams
- Schools to avoid administrative confusion
Official clarity also prevents unnecessary panic caused by fake notifications and rumors.
Conclusion
The Major update on winter holidays confirms that Punjab schools and colleges will reopen on January 12, 2026 as originally scheduled. The viral notification claiming an extension of school holidays is fake and unverified. The Punjab Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat, has urged everyone to rely solely on official announcements. Staying informed through government channels and trusted news sources is key to avoiding misinformation.
FAQs
What is the real reopening date for schools in Punjab?
Schools and colleges will reopen on January 12, 2026 according to official schedules.
Has the winter holiday been extended?
No — there is no extension to the winter holidays. The viral notification is fake.
Where can I find official holiday announcements?
Official government websites and verified news portals publish accurate information.
What should parents do if they see a fake notice?
Ignore unverified posts and check with school administration or official sources.