LAHORE — With heavy monsoon downpours causing widespread disruptions across Punjab, the provincial government is actively considering extending summer vacations for schools situated in flood-affected districts. The proposal comes on the heels of formal recommendations from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), which urged the School Education Department to prioritize the safety of students, teachers, and staff by keeping educational institutions closed until floodwaters fully recede—potentially pushing the reopening date to September 1, 2026. Pending final administrative approval, the government has also mobilized the Communications and Works Department to conduct urgent structural inspections of schools and public buildings compromised by the relentless rains.
The heightened alert follows warnings from the PDMA that the fourth monsoon spell is projected to persist until August 5, 2026, bringing severe risks of urban flooding, rising river levels, and dangerous landslides in hilly terrains such as Murree and Galyat. Heavy downpours and thunderstorms have been forecast for numerous districts, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Sialkot, prompting local administrations to remain on high alert. Authorities are closely monitoring the evolving weather patterns to ensure public safety before making a final determination on the school closures.
