To control winter school schedules and shield students from inclement weather and rising pollution the Punjab government has implemented a stringent new policy. This ruling mandates that during the winter all Punjabi schools, public and private must open no earlier than 8:45 a.m.
Any institution that violates this rule will face a penalty of up to Rs. 500,000. This step has been taken to ensure student safety during cold mornings and rising smog levels which have become a growing concern across the province in recent years.
Why This Decision Was Taken
Every winter cities across Punjab experience a dangerous combination of fog and smog, commonly called smog. The mix of pollution or low temperatures and poor visibility creates an unsafe environment for children travelling to school early in the morning.
Students find it challenging to manage with the cold winds and high pollution levels can harm their eyes, lungs and general health. Parents, Doctors and environmental specialists have been complaining to the Punjab government and pleading with them to take preventative action.
To prevent health issues and ensure safer travel conditions, the government introduced the winter school timings policy. The Rs. 500,000 fine is aimed at making sure schools follow the instructions seriously. This shows that student safety is more important than routine schedules. The decision also reflects the government’s responsibility towards public health and discipline in Punjab schools.
Official Winter School Timings Announced
According to the notification issued by the School Education Department (SED), the revised timing schedule will be implemented from November 3, 2025, to January 31, 2026. During this period, every school must follow a uniform schedule without exceptions.
Single-shift schools
| Starting | Ending |
| 8:45 AM | 1:30 PM |
| 8:45 AM | 12:30 PM (On Friday) |
Double-shift schools
| Starting | Ending |
| 8:45 AM (Morning Shift) | 1:30 PM (Morning Shift) |
| 8:45 AM (Morning Shift on Friday) | 12:30 PM ( Morning Shift On Friday) |
| 1:00 PM (Afternoon/Evening Shift) | 4:00 PM (Afternoon/Evening Shift) |
| 2:00 PM (Afternoon/Evening Shift on Friday) | 4:00 PM (Afternoon/Evening Shift on Friday) |
The Punjab government has made it clear that these timings are compulsory for all educational institutions. District Education Authorities have been instructed to monitor schools regularly to ensure compliance with the official notification.
Strict Implementation with Rs. 500,000 Fine
To make sure no school violates the new policy, authorities have been given the power to impose heavy penalties. Any institution found opening before 8:45 AM will face a fine of up to Rs. 500,000. The amount may vary depending on how many times a school violates the rule. In more serious cases, schools may even face cancellation of registration or temporary closure. This strict approach has been introduced to ensure schools take the timing rules seriously.
Officials from the School Education Department explained that the purpose of the Rs. 500,000 fine is not to create financial pressure but to protect students. Early winter mornings often bring low temperatures and dense smog which can be harmful for children. By delaying school timing, the government expects to reduce children’s exposure to health risks.
The Bigger Purpose Behind the Decision
The Punjab government’s decision is not only about time management. It is mainly about saving lives and protecting health. In the last few years Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan and other cities have been among the most polluted cities in the world during winter.
Early morning departures expose kids to air pollution which can cause respiratory ailments like coughing, asthma and eye irritation. Since pollution levels are typically highest in the early morning health experts believe that postpon the start of school reduces direct exposure to smog.
Road safety is a key factor in the decision. Wintertime thick fog impairs vision and raises the possibility of traffic accidents particularly on major thoroughfares. Long distances are frequently covered by school vans and buses and accidents in low visibility can endanger many lives. The Punjab government is attempting to guarantee safer travel conditions for students and transportation workers by implementing winter school schedules.
Response from Parents and Schools
Parents have largely welcomed this decision. Many of them believe the new winter school timings will help children stay healthier during the cold season. Parents feel more comfortable knowing that their children do not have to leave home before sunrise, when smog and cold temperatures are at their worst. They see the Punjab government’s step as a responsible and thoughtful initiative.
However, some private school associations have expressed concerns. According to them, a single timing for the entire province may not be suitable for all districts. In some rural areas, sunlight appears earlier, and schools prefer to begin their day sooner. They also mentioned challenges in managing afternoon shifts, especially for younger students. Yet, despite these concerns, most schools have agreed to follow the rules to avoid penalties and maintain harmony with government directions.
Government Requests Cooperation from All Stakeholders
The Punjab government has asked parents, students and school officials to fully cooperate for the successful policy. Schools have been urged to modify their transportation schedules and times appropriately. Teachers are encouraged to manage class hours efficiently so that academic progress is not affected. Parents are advised not to send children before the official time. To ensure they are dressed in warm clothes to stay safe from cold and fog.
The Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat stated that the health and safety of students is the government highest priority. He also said that Punjab schools must follow winter school timings not just as an instruction but as a collective responsibility towards the well being of children.
Monitoring and Awareness Campaigns
To ensure proper implementation, a monitoring system has been developed. Education officers will visit various schools throughout districts to confirm whether they are following the timing schedule. Schools found violating the rule will face immediate action without prior warning. Along with monitoring, public awareness messages are being shared through television, radio and social media to inform citizens about the policy. The public has also been encouraged to report violations to the nearest District Education Authority or government helpline.
Role of Parhlo Pakistan
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Conclusion
The decision by the Punjab government to impose Rs. 500,000 fine on schools that open before 8:45 A.M is a strong step in the right direction. It shows that the safety and health of students are more important than routine schedules. By enforcing uniform winter school timings the government is protecting children from smog, cold weather and road accidents while promoting discipline across Punjab schools.
This decision can only succeed if parents, teachers, school management and authorities work together with a shared sense of responsibility. When every stakeholder plays their part students benefit the most. As winter continues this policy reminds us that education is important but the safety and well being of our children must always come first.
