Revised winter schedule for schools in Sindh
The School Education and Literacy Department has officially extended the revised winter school timings for all public and private educational institutions across Sindh until 4 February. Under the decision, schools will continue to start classes at 9 am, while closing timings will remain unchanged. The move comes as the province continues to experience a persistent cold wave that makes early morning travel difficult for students, especially younger children.
The earlier notification issued on 10 January had already shifted the opening time to 9 am in view of severe cold weather conditions. That decision was initially temporary but has now been extended multiple times as temperatures remain lower than usual in many districts of Sindh.
Why the government extended the 9 am start time
According to a spokesperson for the Sindh Education Department, the decision to extend the revised timings was taken after a review of the ongoing cold conditions across the province. Many areas have reported chilly mornings, making it uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe for children to leave home too early, particularly in rural and low-income urban neighbourhoods where access to warm clothing and heating can be limited.
Acting on the directions of Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah, the department opted to maintain the 9 am start time rather than returning to the usual earlier schedule. Officials believe that this adjustment helps protect students from unnecessary exposure to cold winds and fog during early morning hours, while still allowing schools to complete their daily teaching plans.
Notification details and implementation timeline
In its latest notification, the School Education and Literacy Department stated that, in continuation of the 10 January order, the revised school timings would remain in effect until 4 February. The order covers all educational institutions under the department’s administrative control, which includes both government schools and private schools that follow the provincial schedule.
The department had earlier extended the revised timings until 26 January in response to the cold wave. With weather forecasts indicating continued low temperatures, authorities decided to provide another extension, giving schools clear guidance for the coming days. After 4 February, the department is expected to review the situation again and decide whether to revert to normal timings or issue a fresh advisory based on weather conditions at that time.
What parents, students and schools should do
For parents and students, the extended winter timings mean that existing routines can continue without immediate change. Families should still plan to reach school before 9 am, while keeping children dressed in warm layers, jackets, caps and appropriate footwear to protect them from the cold during commute and assembly time. Parents are also encouraged to stay in touch with school administrations for any further updates or emergency announcements.
Schools, on their part, should ensure classrooms are as comfortable as possible within available resources. This includes closing windows against cold drafts, adjusting morning assembly routines where needed, and reminding students to stay warm and hydrated. Private school operators are advised to strictly follow the official timings and avoid calling students earlier than the notified schedule.
If the cold wave persists beyond early February, additional announcements may be issued by the provincial authorities. Until then, the focus remains on balancing learning continuity with student safety and health, ensuring that children can attend classes without facing harsh early-morning weather across Sindh.
