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Private schools in Karachi have formally requested the Sindh government to extend winter school timings, proposing that classes continue to start at 9 am until January 31. The demand comes as the city experiences an ongoing cold wave, which school representatives say is affecting students’ attendance and daily routines.
The All Sindh Private Schools and Colleges Association has recommended maintaining the current 9 am opening time for schools, citing unusually cold weather conditions across Karachi and several remote districts of Sindh. According to the association, early morning cold has disrupted normal life, especially for young students who rely on public or shared transport.
Association Chairman Arsalan Khattak called for an immediate meeting of the Private Schools Steering Committee to finalize a revised academic schedule. He urged the Sindh education minister to take swift action and officially notify schools about the extension to avoid confusion among parents and administrations.
Winter timings were earlier introduced as a temporary relief measure during the cold spell. However, with temperatures remaining lower than usual, private school operators believe reverting to early openings could negatively impact student health and attendance.
The chairman also raised concerns over delays in announcing uniform examination syllabi and paper patterns. He emphasized that the academic year is approaching its final phase, and uncertainty around exam schedules could disrupt preparation plans for both schools and students.
“Only limited time remains before annual examinations, and timely decisions are critical for effective academic planning,” he said, stressing the need for coordination between education authorities and private institutions.
Education experts note that delayed policy decisions during extreme weather conditions often place unnecessary pressure on students, particularly in urban centers like Karachi where travel distances are long.
