LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced that all educational institutions across the province will resume classes from April 1, 2026, after remaining closed for nearly three weeks due to the fuel crisis and economic challenges.
Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat confirmed that schools and colleges will return to full in-person learning, with no option for online or hybrid classes.
He further stated that institutions will operate on a five-day weekly schedule, dismissing suggestions to reduce academic days. Students were also encouraged to refocus on their studies and recover the learning time lost during the closure, which was announced on March 9, remained in effect from March 10 to March 31, during which teaching activities continued through online platforms.
The decision to shut down schools earlier was linked to rising global oil prices, partly driven by tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which contributed to a significant increase in fuel prices across Pakistan.
Officials say the reopening marks a return to normal academic routines as conditions begin to stabilize.
