As the chill of winter approaches, the Punjab School Education Department (SED) has officially announced new school timings for the 2025 winter season. Starting October 20, 2025, all government and private schools across Punjab — including major cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Gujranwala — will follow a revised schedule designed to ensure student comfort and safety during the colder months.
New Winter Schedule for Punjab Schools
According to the latest notification, schools will now open later than usual to help students avoid the early morning cold and fog. The new timings are as follows:
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Government and Private Schools: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
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Pre-Primary Sections: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
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Saturday: Holiday for all schools
The new timings will remain in place throughout the winter season, which typically runs from October to February.
Why the Change Was Needed
Punjab often experiences dense fog and freezing mornings between November and January. These weather conditions make travel unsafe for students and teachers, especially in rural areas and on highways. Many students also face health issues due to exposure to cold air during early morning commutes.
By delaying the school start time by just 30 minutes, the government aims to:
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Improve student safety during foggy mornings
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Reduce the risk of cold-related illnesses
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Increase attendance and punctuality
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Provide more daylight for travel
Education experts say the change, though small, will make a noticeable difference in student well-being and performance.
Approval from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif
The decision was approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, following a proposal by the Punjab School Education Department. Officials confirmed that the final summary was reviewed and signed earlier this week. Once the approval was granted, the new schedule became binding for all schools — both government and private — across the province.
The Education Department will also issue a formal notification on its official website and social media channels, ensuring that all District Education Authorities (DEAs) are informed.
Public Involvement in the Decision
In a refreshing step toward public participation, Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat sought feedback from parents, teachers, and students through social media before finalizing the timings. Thousands of citizens shared their opinions, with most suggesting school start times between 8:30 and 9:00 AM.
This open consultation was widely appreciated as a sign of the government’s commitment to transparency and people-centered policymaking.
Comparison with Last Year
Last winter, Punjab schools opened at 8:00 AM, which often led to difficulties due to heavy fog and low visibility. The 2025 adjustment — shifting the opening time to 8:30 AM — is expected to make travel safer and mornings less stressful for students and parents alike.
| Year | Opening Time | Closing Time | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8:00 AM | 2:00 PM | Early start caused fog-related issues |
| 2025 | 8:30 AM | 2:30 PM | Safer, later start for student comfort |
Safety Tips for Parents
Along with the new schedule, the Education Department has shared a few safety recommendations for parents to help children stay warm and safe during winter:
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Dress children in warm layers, including sweaters, gloves, and caps.
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Serve a hot breakfast or warm milk before school.
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Avoid sending kids on motorbikes during heavy fog.
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Make sure school vans have heaters and clear fog lights.
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Allow extra time for travel to prevent rushing in low visibility.
These simple steps can make winter mornings safer and more comfortable for everyone.
Looking Ahead
The winter schedule will remain in effect until mid-February 2026, after which schools will return to summer timings when temperatures rise. If weather conditions worsen due to extreme cold or smog, the government may announce short-term school holidays, as done in past years.
Public Reaction
The announcement has been met with positive responses on social media, with many parents praising the Punjab government for prioritizing student safety. The hashtags #PunjabWinterTimings2025 and #MaryamNawazEducationReforms have been trending, reflecting public support for the decision.
Final Thoughts
The Punjab Winter School Timings 2025 mark a thoughtful move by the provincial government to balance education with safety and comfort. With the new 8:30 AM start, students can look forward to brighter mornings, warmer travel, and better focus in the classroom — a small but meaningful change that puts their well-being first.