Claims circulating online suggest that the Punjab School Education Department has ordered the closure of all public and private schools in the province from February 1 to February 10, 2026 for the Basant festival are false.
The notification, which has been widely shared on social media, reportedly stated that schools would remain closed for ten days “on account of Basant” and even allowed for the leasing or auctioning of school rooftops for kite-flying activities. It also allegedly instructed officials, including Chief Executive Officers of District Education Authorities and school heads, to ensure compliance.
However, the Punjab government has clarified that no such decision has been taken. Schools across the province will continue to operate on their regular schedules, and no official notification regarding an extended break for Basant has been issued.
Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, who frequently shares official updates on school schedules and holidays, has not made any announcements related to Basant closures. Parents and students are advised to rely only on official sources for updates on school operations. This clarification comes amid the spread of misinformation online regarding school schedules during cultural and seasonal events in the province.