Extension of Winter Break for Primary Schools by One More Week

In response to the intense winter weather conditions gripping the region, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has declared additional winter holidays for both government and private primary schools. The Provincial Elementary and School Education Department announced the extension of winter vacations until January 13, 2024, citing severe cold and fog as the primary reasons for the decision. This extension specifically applies to students from playgroup to Class 5. Additionally, the authorities have revised the operating hours for middle/primary, high, and higher secondary schools, with the new schedule being from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, replacing the previous timings of 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.

The adjustment in the academic calendar comes in light of the Meteorological Office's prediction of continued severe cold and fog in the plain areas of the province, including the provincial capital, Peshawar, where temperatures have dropped to 1 degree Celsius. The forecast indicates that areas such as Charsadda, Peshawar, Nowshera, and others are expected to experience extreme fog over the next few days. In a similar response to adverse weather conditions, the government in Punjab had previously extended school holidays by an additional 10 days.