Early Winter Vacations Announced in Punjab amid Smog Is Fake or Real?

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As Punjab struggles with worsening smog and hazardous air quality, social media has been flooded with claims that the Punjab government has announced early winter vacations for schools. However, official sources have now confirmed that these reports are fake — no early winter holidays have been declared as of yet.

Let’s separate the facts from the rumors and see what’s really happening.

Fake News About Early Winter Vacations

According to a clarification from the Punjab School Education Department (SED), no notification regarding early school closures or winter vacations has been issued.

Despite this, multiple social media posts and websites falsely claimed that schools across Punjab would shut down early due to the rising smog levels.
Officials have strongly denied these reports, calling them misleading and baseless.

“The government has not yet made any decision about early winter vacations. All educational institutions will remain open until further notice,”
stated a spokesperson for the Punjab Education Department.

Smog Situation Across Punjab

The air quality in Lahore and several other districts has reached dangerous levels, prompting health concerns among residents.
Recent data from the Air Quality Index (AQI) ranks Lahore as one of the most polluted cities in the world, with hazardous air conditions recorded in multiple areas including Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Sheikhupura.

Key Causes of the Smog:

• Persistent dry weather and low wind speeds

• Increased vehicle emissions and industrial smoke

• Crop residue burning in nearby agricultural zones

Meteorologists warn that the situation may worsen over the next few weeks, particularly if rainfall does not occur soon.

Health Risks & Expert Warnings

Doctors and environmental experts have warned that the ongoing smog wave can cause:

• Respiratory problems and coughing

• Eye and throat irritation

• Asthma complications

• Severe flu and allergies

Children, elderly citizens, and patients with chronic illnesses are the most vulnerable during this period.
Health professionals are advising the public to:

• Avoid outdoor activities during peak smog hours

• Wear N95 or KN95 masks

• Keep windows closed

• Use air purifiers at home or in classrooms

Will Schools Close Early Due to Smog?

As of now, no early winter vacation has been announced by the Punjab government.
However, the Education Department is closely monitoring pollution levels in coordination with the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and Meteorological Department.

If smog intensity continues to rise, officials may consider short-term closures for primary schools or announce limited holidays as a preventive measure — similar to what happened in November 2024, when schools were shut for two weeks.

✅ Official Status (October 2025):

• No winter vacations announced

• All schools open as usual

• Smog situation under observation

Public Advisory

Authorities have urged citizens to stay updated through official government channels only, including:

• The Punjab School Education Department (SED) website: https://schools.punjab.gov.pk

• The Punjab government’s social media accounts

• Verified district education office notifications

Do not rely on unverified posts or fake news portals, as no authentic circular regarding early winter holidays has been issued yet.

What Could Happen Next?

If pollution levels remain dangerously high, the government could take the following steps:

• Announce temporary school closures for younger students.

• Implement alternate-day attendance policies.

• Enforce smog emergency measures, including restrictions on vehicles and factories.

• Encourage work-from-home or remote learning options if the situation worsens further.

For now, all decisions will depend on updated air quality readings and health advisories from the provincial authorities.

Final Words

So, to answer the big question — “Early Winter Vacations Announced in Punjab amid Smog — Is It Fake or Real?”
👉 It’s fake.

There is no official announcement regarding early school holidays in Punjab as of October 2025.
However, the government is monitoring the situation closely and may take action if smog levels continue to rise.

Until an official circular is released, schools will continue their regular academic schedules.
Stay safe, follow health precautions, and always verify information through official sources only.