Punjab School Timing Violations to Bring Fines Up to Rs1 Million

Educational institutions across the province have been warned that any breach of the updated Punjab school timing schedule can result in fines reaching up to one million rupees.

The latest directive states that all public and private schools in Punjab are barred from opening earlier than 9:45 a.m. To formalize the policy, DG Environment Imran Hamid Sheikh issued an official notification outlining the revised Punjab school timing regulations.

According to the notice, schools cannot begin their day before 8:45 a.m. The decision was introduced in response to worsening pollution and rising smog levels across the province, which have raised concerns about student health and early-morning exposure.

DG Environment Imran Hamid Sheikh confirmed that the new rules take effect immediately. He further explained that school administrations violating the Punjab school timing instructions will face penalties ranging between five lakh rupees and one million rupees. He added that any violations or public complaints can be submitted through the EPA Helpline 1373 or the Green Punjab mobile application.

Punjab Confirms Updated Winter School Timetable

Regarding winter hours, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat previously announced on his official Facebook page that a revised seasonal schedule will soon come into force. Under the winter plan, schools are expected to open at 8:45 a.m. and close at 1:30 p.m., a move he described as necessary to protect students from harsh morning temperatures that continue to drop across the province.

Although the formal winter order has not yet been issued, the Punjab School Education Department is expected to publish it shortly. Once released, the updated timetable will be implemented right away.

The minister has consistently shared updates about administrative decisions and education reforms on social media, ensuring parents and teachers stay informed. The revised hours follow a familiar pattern from previous years when schools adopted delayed start times to shield children from cold early mornings.