The Punjab government is considering delaying the reopening of schools by another week as floodwaters continue to devastate several districts and displace thousands of residents.
Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman chaired a review meeting at the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) headquarters to assess the situation in the worst-hit areas. Officials discussed ongoing relief efforts, safety measures, and the strain on local infrastructure, with many school buildings now being used as temporary shelters.
Currently, schools across the province are slated to reopen on September 1, but authorities are leaning toward pushing that date back to ensure student safety and allow emergency operations to continue without disruption.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat confirmed that schools in heavily affected areas are housing families who lost their homes to the floods. “The safety and well-being of our students is our primary concern,” he said, emphasizing that no decision will be made without a thorough review of conditions in the coming days.
A final announcement on whether the academic calendar will be adjusted is expected soon, once floodwaters recede enough for authorities to determine if it’s safe for students to return to classrooms.
