RAWALPINDI-UNS: With temperatures expected to soar due to an impending heatwave, the Government of Punjab has decided to close all public and private schools in the province from May 25 to May 31 in order to ensure the safety of students.
Severe heatwaves will sweep most parts of the country over the coming days, the Meteorological Department warned last Thursday, forecasting dust storms, thunderstorms, and heavy rains in the country’s northern areas.
The presence of high pressure in the upper atmosphere will result in heatwave conditions in most parts of the country, especially Punjab and Sindh from May 21 and a severe heatwave from May 23 to 27, the advisory had warned.
In light of the advisory, the provincial government in Punjab decided today to close schools for seven days.
However, a notification it issued stated that examinations will still be carried out “as scheduled”, with “necessary precautions to ensure the safety of students”.
The decision to temporarily close schools came after the Punjab government last week reduced the timings of all public and private schools from May 18 to May 31.
It had also instructed school heads to ensure that fans were in working condition, water coolers were available and that no student was made to sit in an open space or school lawn during the summer.
Given the instructions of PDMA Punjab, the Health Department also issued a heatwave advisory. A PDMA spokesperson said, “from May 21 to May 27, there is a severe risk of heat wave in Punjab.”
The PDMA predicted intense heat in the Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan districts of South Punjab and instructions were issued to set up heatwave counters in all hospitals and ensure the supply of all related medicines.
DG PDMA Irfan Ali Khan said that citizens are being informed about the dangers of heat wave through print, electronic and social media. “All departments can fight heat wave by working together and cooperating,” he added.
DG PDMA further said the heat wave is expected to last for at least 10 days and added that the public is requested to take precautionary measures.
“Avoid exertion and exercise in strong sunlight,” he said. “Do not step out of the house unnecessarily […] wear light coloured cotton clothes”. He urged the public to call PDMA Helpline 1129 or Rescue 1122 in an emergency situation.
Meanwhile, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikander Hayat announced a holiday for all educational institutions from May 25 onwards due to the heat wave.
“The opinion of respected teachers and parents is important to us and the safety of children will always be our priority,” Hayat posted on X. He urged collective and individual action against climate change in his post, which included the notification to close schools.
Hayat warned that action would be taken against any school violating the order. No date was given for reopening schools in his statement.
Punjab’s decision to close schools came a day after Sindh postponed matric exams in the province from May 21 to 27.
According to the notification dated Sunday, the decision was taken “in the wake of the heat wave alert issued by the NDMA & PDMA”.
“The SSC Part I and II 1st Annual Examination, scheduled to be held from May 21 to May 27 2024 are hereby postponed,” the notification reads, adding that the exams would continue with effect from May 28 onwards.
The Sindh government issued the new schedule today, saying that exams will now be held from May 28 to May 31.
