Azad Kashmir Extends Winter Vacations for Schools and Colleges

Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Education Department has extended winter holidays for government and semi-government educational institutions, citing severe cold and prevailing weather conditions across the region.

According to the official notification, schools, colleges, and other educational institutions that were scheduled to reopen on January 12 will now resume academic activities on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

Officials said the decision was taken to minimize students’ exposure to harsh temperatures and to safeguard children during the ongoing cold spell.

The notification states that the extension applies across AJK’s public sector and semi-government education network, and that regular teaching activities will restart from the revised date.

The move comes as cold weather continues to disrupt normal routines across multiple parts of the country. In Punjab, the provincial government has also extended winter vacations for schools and colleges after reviewing the weather situation, with institutions now set to reopen on January 19.

Separately, Punjab’s Higher Education Department has extended winter holidays for universities and colleges, directing institutions to resume academic activities from January 19 while keeping examinations on schedule.

Meanwhile, Sindh has opted for adjusted school timings rather than extended closures, shifting opening time to reduce early-morning exposure as the cold spell persists.