The Punjab School Education Department has confirmed that there will be no holiday on May 28 (Youm-e-Takbeer) as schools across the province will remain open for officially directed activities and competitions.
In a notification issued Tuesday, the department instructed all District Education Authorities’ CEOs to ensure the day is marked with positive social messages for peace and courage. Activities in government schools will include special morning assemblies, the national anthem and prayers, and tributes to the Pakistan Army.
Additionally, district-level competitions such as speech contests on Youm-e-Takbeer’s significance, art and poster contests, and Milli Naghme (national songs) will be held. Winners at the district level will receive cash prizes of Rs50,000. Students and staff will also take a pledge for Pakistan’s betterment, peace, and scientific progress.
The department clarified that summer vacation dates will be announced after the May 28 ceremonies.
May 28 is nationally celebrated as Youm-e-Takbeer, marking Pakistan’s historic nuclear tests in 1998 at Ras Koh hills, Chaghai, making it the seventh nuclear-armed nation and the first in the Islamic world. These tests were conducted in response to India’s 1974 nuclear test, cementing Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining strategic balance and sovereignty in South Asia.
