Severe heat wave in Pakistan has prompted the authorities to revisit the timing of summer vacation from June 1 to May 24 in Punjab schools.
LAHORE – The Punjab Government has announced to begin summer vacations in schools from Tuesday (24 May) due to ongoing intense heat wave in the country
Severe heat wave has prompted the authorities to revisit the earlier decision of commencing summer vacation from June 1. Since the meteorological department has predict no relief from the prevailing heat wave till June 15.
Provincial education minister Rana Mashhood said that the government cannot comprise on the health of children, however, the schools which are undergoing examination will remain open.
The plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Sindh will be the centre of heat where day temperatures will cross over 45°C and central parts will touch a critical level of 50°C. Temperatures in mountainous areas of GB and AJK will also rise by 4-5°C above average resulting into rapid melting of snow and glaciers.
Ali, a father of three, whose children go to a private school in Johar Town area, said the Punjab government should ensure that the private sector schools follow these instructions too. “A child is a child, no matter studying in a public or a private school”, he said and added the government should ensure its writ.
“Are private schools above the law in Punjab?” questioned another parent, Tauseef, and said the private sector always took advantage of sluggishness and carelessness of the government officials. “Can anyone stand against the government while having zero support from the masses?” he also questioned and said the government should come hard on private schools violating its orders since the scorching heat was dangerous for the health of innocent children.