Punjab’s education system is set to undergo an important reform as a high-level committee has finalised recommendations for a uniform academic calendar across the province. The proposal fixes 190 working days for schools and colleges in Punjab. The aim is to strengthen the learning process and reduce academic losses caused by frequent and extended holidays.
Formation of the High-Level Committee
The committee was constituted by order of the Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court. Justice Jawad Hassan ordered its formation after a writ petition was filed against the unnecessary increase in holidays in educational institutions. The court noted that the rising number of holidays was negatively affecting students’ education and overall academic discipline.
Meetings and Final Recommendations
The committee held three meetings over the last four months. In the third meeting, members presented joint recommendations after detailed discussions. According to the proposal, educational institutions in Punjab will observe 175 holidays in a year, while teaching and academic working days will be strictly set at 190. The committee stressed that this balance is necessary to ensure syllabus completion.
Proposed Academic Calendar Overview
The key elements of the proposed academic framework are explained in the table below for easy understanding.
| Academic Component | Proposed Duration |
|---|---|
| Total Working Days | 190 days |
| Total Holidays | 175 days |
| Summer Vacations | 6 weeks to 1.5 months |
| Winter Vacations | Shorter, weather-based |
| Applicability | All schools and colleges in Punjab |
Reduction in Summer Vacations
One major recommendation is to reduce summer vacations. Currently, summer breaks extend up to two-and-a-half months in many institutions. The committee proposed limiting them to 6 weeks, or 1.5 months. Members believe that long breaks weaken learning continuity and make it difficult for students to adjust when schools reopen.
Agreement of Private School Associations
All private school associations in Punjab have agreed to the proposed academic calendar. Representatives from major private school chains actively participated in the meetings. Their agreement shows strong support for a uniform system that applies equally to public and private institutions, ensuring fairness and consistency across the province.
Directions from the School Education Department
Punjab School Education Department Special Secretary Muhammad Iqbal has directed PECTA and the Director of Public Instruction for Secondary and Elementary education to prepare a uniform academic calendar within three days. This instruction reflects the department’s commitment to quickly implementing the committee’s recommendations.
Concerns Over Rising Holidays
The committee observed that the continuous increase in holidays over the years has damaged the academic system. Senior classes often fail to complete their syllabi on time, creating stress for students and teachers. Members agreed that better planning and controlled holidays are essential for improving educational outcomes.
Comparison of Winter Vacations in Rawalpindi and Islamabad
APSMA President Abrar Ahmad Khan highlighted differences in winter vacations between nearby regions. He pointed out that Islamabad schools received only 10 days of winter holidays, while Rawalpindi institutions were granted a full month, despite improved weather conditions.
| Region | Winter Vacation Duration |
|---|---|
| Islamabad | 10 days |
| Rawalpindi | Around 1 month |
He termed this gap excessive and suggested that academic activities could have continued by adjusting school timings instead.
Broad Participation and Support
The third meeting, held in Lahore, was chaired under the leadership of the Secretary of School Education. Participants included former Punjab education minister Mian Imran Masood, APSMA leaders, Chairman Pakistan Chamber of Education Ali Raza, representatives of private schools, and an Assistant Advocate General. All expressed concern over learning losses due to long holidays.
A Step Toward Academic Stability
The proposed 190-day working calendar is seen as a positive step toward academic stability in Punjab. By reducing long vacations and ensuring adequate teaching days, the recommendations aim to improve syllabus coverage, student performance, and overall education quality across the province.
