The government of Pakistan's Punjab province is actively considering a proposal to extend the summer holidays for schools and adjust market operating hours in response to an intense heatwave forecast for the coming months. Provincial Minister for School Education, Rana Sikandar Hayat, confirmed the deliberations, stating the primary goal is to protect children and the public from the severe heat.
According to meteorological forecasts, Punjab is expected to experience extreme temperatures in April and May 2026. The proposed measures include potentially starting the summer holidays earlier than scheduled and enforcing earlier closures for markets and commercial centers to avoid the peak afternoon heat.
Minister Hayat emphasized that the health and safety of students is the top priority. A formal decision on the proposal is expected to be announced after a final review by the provincial cabinet. Similar measures have been implemented in previous years during periods of extreme weather.
The potential adjustments are part of a broader heatwave management plan, which also includes public awareness campaigns about heatstroke prevention and ensuring the availability of water and cooling centers in urban areas.
