Sindh schools, colleges change timings amid severe cold wave

Following a consultation between Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, the provincial government has announced a change in timings of schools and other educational institutes due to the intensifying cold wave.

Effective immediately, all public and private educational institutes across Sindh, including Karachi, will open at 9:00am. This adjustment aims to protect students from the severe early morning temperatures while ensuring educational activities continue.

A notification has been issued to implement these changes, prioritising the health and safety of students during the ongoing winter spell.

READ MORE: Punjab extends winter vacations until Jan 19 due to severe cold wave

According to the notification, the new timings will remain in effect for two weeks, until January 26.

While the opening time has been delayed, school closing hours will remain unchanged as per the regular schedule, the Sindh Chief Minister House said in a statement.

The directive applies to all educational institutions, both government-run and private, throughout the province.

“With the approval of competent authority, it is hereby notified that due to prevailing cold wave the timing of all public and private educational institutes under the administrative control of Sindh School Education & Literacy Department shall commence 9:00am with effect from January 12 to 26,” read the notification issued by the Sindh School Education and Literacy Department and signed by Sindh Secretary Zahid Ali Abbasi.

Temperature in Karachi has dropped to single digit, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) in its three-day forecast relaying that the weather will continue to remain chilly at least until Tuesday. The lowest temperature of the port city was recorded at 8.9 °C on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced that winter vacations for all public and private schools and colleges across the province have been extended until January 19.

READ MORE: PMD rejects claims of extremely cold winter in Pakistan

The decision was made in response to a prolonged and severe winter spell, with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) forecasting extremely low temperatures in the coming days. The minister emphasised that the extension is intended to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of both students and staff.