Major private school associations across Pakistan have rejected the Punjab government’s decision to announce summer vacations from May 22 to August 23 for educational institutions.
Representatives of the associations termed the nearly three-month break harmful for the education system and announced plans to challenge the decision in the Lahore High Court, including its Rawalpindi, Multan, and Bahawalpur benches.
The associations argued that extended vacations could negatively affect students’ academic performance and increase the risk of dropouts.
Dr. Abrar Hussain Malik criticized the early closure of schools, saying prolonged breaks reduce students’ interest in studies while increasing screen time and non-academic activities.
He warned that millions of children are already out of school in Pakistan and that lengthy vacations could further disrupt educational continuity.
Meanwhile, Irfan Muzaffar Kayani said the decision would negatively impact the education sector and suggested that vacations should instead be observed from June 1 to August 14.
He also called on authorities to allow summer camps for students of classes nine and ten.
Other representatives from private educational institutions proposed reducing the duration of summer vacations and adjusting school timings during extreme heat rather than closing schools for nearly three months.
