LHC Dismisses Plea Against Punjab’s 3-Month Summer Vacation
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday rejected a petition opposing the Punjab government’s decision to implement an extended summer vacation schedule for educational institutions across the province.
The petition, filed by the All Pakistan Private Schools Federation, challenged the official summer holiday period set from May 22 to August 23, spanning nearly three months. The federation argued that such a prolonged closure would disrupt academic continuity, increase the risk of student dropouts, and interfere with examination schedules.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel requested the court to grant an immediate suspension of the notification pending a final decision on the matter. However, Justice Khalid Ishaq declined to provide interim relief and instead issued notices to relevant authorities, instructing them to submit their responses within two weeks.
The federation also raised concerns about the potential rise in students’ screen time and decreased involvement in academic activities due to the extended break. Additionally, it highlighted the financial and operational challenges that private schools may face as a result of the prolonged closures.
The court will continue its proceedings after reviewing the replies from the concerned departments.