LAHORE – Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat on Monday announced that all schools across Punjab will reopen from April 1, following a temporary closure imposed due to rising fuel costs linked to the Middle East crisis.
Read More: Punjab ‘mulls’ over extending school holidays
The provincial government had earlier ordered the shutdown of educational institutions from March 10 to 31 as part of broader measures to ease economic pressure caused by a sharp increase in petroleum prices. The surge was driven by global disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
یکم اپریل سے ہفتے میں پانچ دن باقاعدہ کلاسز کے ذریعے تعلیمی اداروں میں تعلیمی سرگرمیوں کا دوبارہ آغاز کیا جارہاہے۔
وزیر تعلیم رانا سکندر حیات pic.twitter.com/4LpELfXZws— DTE PUNJAB DSD (@DsdDte) March 30, 2026
In an official statement, the minister dismissed a notification circulating on social media that claimed schools would operate only four days a week, calling it fake. He clarified that educational institutions will function normally for five days a week, with in-person classes fully restored.
“We cannot shift towards online classes; come to school and study,” Hayat said, ruling out any hybrid or remote learning system. He added that universities, colleges, and schools will all follow the same five-day schedule.
The decision signals a return to routine academic activities after weeks of disruption, providing relief to students, parents, and educators. Authorities believe that resuming physical classes is essential for maintaining educational standards and continuity.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his call for citizens to support the government’s austerity drive. He urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and conserve fuel as part of efforts to manage the ongoing economic challenges.
Read More: Punjab plans school, market adjustments to tackle energy crisis
The reopening comes as the government continues to balance economic pressures with the need to sustain essential public services, including education, during a period of global uncertainty.