Azad Jammu and Kashmir has extended winter vacations for schools and colleges until 17 January 2026 due to severe cold weather across the region.
Winter Holidays Extended Across Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Education Department has announced an extension of winter vacations for schools and colleges across the region, citing severe cold and ongoing weather conditions. According to an official notification, government and semi-government educational institutions that were initially scheduled to reopen on 12 January will now resume academic activities on Saturday, 17 January 2026.
The decision applies to public sector and semi-government schools, colleges and other educational institutions under the regional education network. Officials said the extension was approved after reviewing temperature trends, weather forecasts and the impact of the cold spell on students, especially those who travel to school early in the morning.
New Reopening Date Set for Schools and Colleges
In its notification, the Education Department stated that regular teaching activities will restart from the revised date and that institutions are expected to follow the updated calendar without further delay unless new instructions are issued. Administrations have been directed to ensure that classrooms, buildings and basic facilities are ready before students return, especially in areas that have experienced heavy snowfall or prolonged low temperatures.
Officials emphasised that the move is intended to minimise students’ exposure to harsh weather conditions. Many schools in Azad Kashmir are located in hilly and mountainous areas where winter temperatures can drop sharply, making it difficult for children to reach classes safely. By extending the holidays, authorities aim to reduce health risks such as seasonal flu, chest infections and other cold-related illnesses among school-going children.
Decision Aimed at Protecting Students During Severe Cold
Parents and guardians have long raised concerns about sending children to school in extreme cold, particularly when early start times coincide with foggy or icy conditions. The latest announcement is likely to be welcomed by many families, as it provides a few extra days of protection while the cold spell continues. At the same time, officials have urged parents to encourage children to keep revising their coursework at home so that the extended break does not significantly disrupt learning.
How Other Provinces Are Responding to the Cold Wave
The extension in Azad Kashmir comes as cold weather continues to affect normal life across multiple parts of Pakistan. In Punjab, the provincial government has also extended winter vacations for schools and colleges after reviewing the weather situation. Educational institutions there are now scheduled to reopen on 19 January, giving students and teachers a longer break than originally planned.
Punjab’s Higher Education Department has likewise extended winter holidays for universities and colleges, while making it clear that examinations will proceed according to schedule. This means that campuses will resume full academic activity from 19 January, but students appearing in ongoing or scheduled exams must follow the original date sheets issued by their institutions.
In contrast, Sindh has opted for adjusted school timings rather than extended closures. Authorities in the province have shifted opening times later into the morning to reduce early-hour exposure to cold and fog, especially for younger children. This approach aims to balance continuity of education with health and safety concerns by keeping schools open but allowing students to arrive after temperatures have risen slightly.
The differing responses across regions show how local governments are tailoring policies to their own weather conditions and infrastructure. Areas with more intense cold or difficult terrain are more likely to extend holidays, while others are experimenting with flexible timings and classroom heating where available.
What Parents and Students Should Do Before Schools Reopen?
For parents and students in Azad Kashmir, the immediate priority is to note the new reopening date of 17 January 2026 and adjust routines accordingly. Families are advised to stay in touch with school administrations through official notices, WhatsApp groups or SMS alerts in case of any further updates. Students should also use the extra days to revise key subjects, complete pending assignments and reset their study schedules so that they are ready to return to full-time classes.
School managements, meanwhile, have been urged to check heating arrangements where possible, ensure that classrooms are properly ventilated and advise students to wear appropriate winter clothing once institutions reopen. If implemented smoothly, the extended winter break in Azad Kashmir can help protect children’s health while still allowing the academic year to continue with minimal long-term disruption.
