Former Punjab Education Minister Criticizes Extended Summer Holidays for Students

Punjab's Education Minister Murad Raas has expressed his concern over the extended summer holidays imposed on public and private schools in the province. Raas questioned why the education institutions remain closed while Army Public Schools (APS) and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) schools continue to function. According to Raas, the students in Punjab are currently enjoying the "longest summer vacation" he has witnessed, with the schools shut since May 21 and set to reopen on August 24.

Raas voiced his disbelief at the rationale behind keeping children away from education for more than three months, stating that the decision seemed "beyond comprehension."

The extended summer break was announced by the Punjab government in response to the severe heatwave conditions prevailing in the region. The Punjab government ordered all public and private schools to remain shut until the designated reopening date. Any schools found to be reopening before the official date would face penalties.

To mitigate the academic losses caused by the prolonged closure, the government has also planned remedial learning camps for students. However, military-managed institutions, including APS and PAF schools, operate under distinct administrative frameworks, enabling them to follow alternative arrangements during the summer break.