Schools in Punjab will now open on September 1, as the government has extended summer holidays until August 31.

The decision, which was made public by the School Education Department on Wednesday, replaces the earlier order to start courses again on August 14.

All district education authorities (DEAs) have been directed to make sure that the updated schedule is strictly followed, according to the notification.

The notification did not specifically state why the decision was made, but the prolongation coincides with the province's continued adverse weather conditions.

This is the second big change to the academic calendar this summer. The updated date should be noted by parents and pupils, and school administrators should modify their lesson plans appropriately.

The Punjab administration has not yet disclosed if the prolonged break will have an impact on exams or the academic year's overall timetable.

Rana Sikandar Hayat, the minister of education for Punjab schools, also tweeted about the summer break extension.

Punjab schools will open on September 1st, he tweeted.

Seminar on Digital Transformation by PU's Social Work Dept

As part of Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day celebrations, Punjab University’s Social Work Department, along with the Center for Information Technology, held a seminar called “Digital Transformation: A Roadmap to 2047.”

The event was attended by Chairperson of the Department of Social Work, Professor Dr. Uzma Ashiq; Director of the Center for Information Technology, Sir Syed Ammar Jafri; experts including Nabila Intisar, Ambrain Supra, Sahir Malik, and Irum Shaheen Malik; faculty members; and others.

In her address, Dr. Uzma Ashiq said that this event is a part of the series of Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day celebrations in which a strong commitment was expressed for the country’s digital and inclusive future.

She said that the seminar reflects the unwavering mission of the department to empower communities, promote social justice, and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital era.

He said it shows how social work education is adapting to contemporary global challenges through emerging technologies, digital literacy, and policy innovation.

Director of CIT Sir Syed Ammar Jafri presented an inspiring roadmap for a digitally empowered, inclusive Pakistan by 2047.

He said the seminar served as a platform to explore the values of social work with digital innovation, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.

The experts highlighted digital education and skill development, AI-driven policymaking and research in academia, cybersecurity in the social protection arena, inclusion of women and youth in emerging tech spaces, and aligning education reforms with the SDG framework.