Punjab education minister shares update on closure of schools

2026-03-06 - 10:03

LAHORE – Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has stated that all public and private schools to remain open after ongoing regional tensions sparked rumours about shifting the educational institutions to virtual classes. In a post on X, he wrote: “All Public & Private Schools To Remain Open & Inshallah we Will Complete The Academic Calendar Days”.

All Public & Private Schools To Remain Open & Inshallah we Will Complete The Academic Calendar Days 🗓️

— Rana Sikandar Hayat (@RanaSikandarH) March 6, 2026

Earlier in the day, the federal education department has announced spring holidays for schools in Islamabad from March 24 to March 27, 2026. The spring break has been combined with the Eid holidays, which are expected to be observed from March 20 to March 23, allowing students an extended period of time off. Authorities have confirmed that all educational activities will resume as usual on March 30, following the conclusion of the combined holiday period. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates government has announced an early spring break for students, faculty, and administrative staff in schools and universities across the country. According to the UAE Government Media Office, the holidays will now begin on Monday, March 9, and continue through Sunday, March 22. Classes and official working hours will resume on Monday, March 23. This adjustment replaces the previously scheduled spring break, which was set for March 16 to 29 for the 2025–2026 academic year. The last day of classes before the holiday is now March 8. The early break applies to all students and staff in both public and private educational institutions throughout the UAE. The early spring break comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East which sparked after the US and Israel launched attack against Iran. In response, Tehran has started targeted US bases in its ally countries, including the UAE, and Israel in counterstrikes. Gulf nations are on heightened alert following multiple drone and missile attacks by Iran in retaliation for ongoing strikes by the United States and Israel.