Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced on Saturday that winter vacations for all public and private schools and colleges across the province have been extended until January 19. The decision was made in response to a prolonged and severe winter spell, with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) forecasting extremely low temperatures in the coming days. The minister emphasised that the extension is intended to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of both students and staff. Previously, the Punjab government had scheduled winter holidays for schools and colleges from December 22 to January 10. Under the new directive, educational institutions will now remain closed for an additional nine days as the region continues to grapple with the intense cold. READ MORE: Punjab extends summer vacations by one month In a post on his social media account on January 7, the provincial education minister had warned that strict action would be taken if any educational institute was found to be violating the government order.