Lahore (Latest Update – October 2025): The Punjab School Education Department has finalized the new winter school timings for all government and private schools across the province. According to official sources, the revised schedule has been sent to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for final approval, and is expected to take effect from October 20, 2025.
Under the proposed winter schedule, schools will open at 8:30 AM and close at 2:30 PM, while Saturday will remain a full holiday throughout the season. This change aims to ensure student safety and comfort during chilly mornings, especially in fog-affected areas like Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Gujranwala.
Punjab School Winter Timings 2025 – Full Schedule
Here’s the officially proposed timetable for the upcoming winter season in Punjab schools:
| Category | Opening Time | Closing Time | Saturday |
| Government Schools | 8:30 AM | 2:30 PM | Off |
| Private Schools | 8:30 AM | 2:30 PM | Off |
| Pre-Primary Sections | 9:00 AM | 12:30 PM | Off |
👉 Implementation Date: October 20, 2025
👉 Authority: Punjab School Education Department (SED)
👉 Approval: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif
Maryam Nawaz to Approve Punjab School Winter Schedule
The Punjab Education Department confirmed that the winter timings summary has been forwarded to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for approval.
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Once signed, an official notification will be released to all District Education Authorities (DEAs).
An official from SED Punjab stated:
“We have proposed 8:30 AM as the new opening time across the province. The final notification will be issued right after the CM’s approval.”
This policy helps protect students from foggy mornings and extreme cold, which are common during November to January.
Public Opinion: Education Minister Sought Suggestions from Citizens
Before finalizing the schedule, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat posted on Facebook, asking citizens:
“What should be the winter school timings?”
Thousands of parents and teachers responded, suggesting 8:30 to 9:00 AM as ideal.
This public-inclusive approach by the education department has been praised as a positive and transparent initiative to improve school policy decisions.
Why Winter Timings Are Important in Punjab
Every year, when dense fog covers Punjab’s major cities, morning visibility and temperature drop drastically.
That’s why adjusting school timings is essential for:
- Protecting students from cold weather exposure.
- Reducing sickness and absenteeism.
- Improving morning commute safety.
- Allowing teachers and staff better flexibility.
This decision particularly benefits students from rural areas who travel long distances to reach school.
Punjab School Timings 2024 vs 2025 – Comparison Table
| Year | Opening Time | Closing Time | Remarks |
| 2024 | 8:00 AM | 2:00 PM | Early start led to fog-related issues |
| 2025 | 8:30 AM | 2:30 PM | Later start ensures student comfort |
Private and Government Schools – Same Schedule Confirmed
The Punjab School Education Department clarified that both public and private schools will follow the same winter timing.
Private schools with separate morning or evening shifts may make minor internal adjustments, but the official 8:30 AM opening time must be followed across the province.
Important Advisory for Parents During Winter
The government also reminded parents to ensure safety measures during the foggy season.
Parent Checklist for Winter School Days
- Dress children in warm layers (sweater, gloves, caps).
- Serve warm breakfast or milk before school.
- Avoid sending children on motorbikes during heavy fog.
- Make sure school vans have heaters and proper visibility lights.
These steps help reduce health issues and ensure safe travel during Punjab’s cold mornings.
When Will the Official Notification Be Issued?
After final approval from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the official notification will be uploaded on:
- School Education Department Punjab (sed.punjab.gov.pk)
- Official Facebook page of the Punjab Education Department
Parents are advised to follow these pages for real-time updates and the final notification PDF.
Background: Punjab’s Seasonal School Policy
Punjab has a biannual school timing system — one for summer and one for winter.
| Season | Start Month | Timing Type |
| Summer | March/April | Early start (7:30 AM) |
| Winter | October | Delayed start (8:30 AM) |
This rotation ensures comfort and safety while keeping academic activities on schedule.
Expert Opinion: Practical Move by the Punjab Government
Education experts believe this is a timely and people-centric decision.
According to education analyst Adeel Shahid,
“Delaying school start time by 30 minutes may seem small, but it significantly improves attendance, student health, and punctuality.”
