Punjab is grappling with an intense heat wave that has tragically resulted in the deaths of two government school students due to heat-related illnesses.
According to rescue officials, an eighth-grade student from a government school in Haroonabad succumbed to a heart attack caused by the extreme heat.
Similarly, another eighth-grade student in Mankera, near Bhakkar, suffered a fatal heart attack while playing football.
In response to these incidents and the ongoing extreme temperatures, the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, announced on Tuesday that all public and private schools across the province will begin summer vacations early, starting from May 28.
This decision was made after consultations with the provincial education department and other relevant authorities to safeguard students and staff amid the severe weather conditions.
Until the commencement of summer break, schools will operate on revised hours, from 7:30 am to 11:30 am, effective immediately. This interim schedule aims to reduce students’ exposure to the intense heat during peak hours.
A senior official from the Punjab School Education Department emphasized that the move was based on health advisories and meteorological warnings forecasting sustained high temperatures.
“The safety of children is our top priority. This early closure is a preventive measure to protect students from heatstroke and related health risks,” the official said.
