The Punjab Schools Education Department is expected to extend school holidays across Punjab until April 15, as authorities look to manage the ongoing energy crisis. The proposed move would apply to both public and private educational institutions across the province.

Schools were initially closed from March 10 to March 31, but worsening fuel and electricity shortages have pushed officials to consider an additional two-week extension. The plan has reportedly received strong backing from the provincial energy department, which is urging limits on non-essential activities to reduce overall consumption.

Punjab, being the most populous province of Pakistan, consumes a large share of the country’s energy. Officials believe that closing schools can significantly cut fuel usage linked to daily transportation of students and staff, as well as reduce electricity demand from operating school buildings.

Alongside school closures, the government is also reviewing broader measures to ease pressure on the energy sector. These include reduced market working hours, promotion of work-from-home policies, and discouraging unnecessary travel. Authorities are also considering restrictions on large gatherings and steps to curb excessive electricity use in commercial areas.

However, the proposal has sparked concern among private school operators. Many institutions warn that extended closures disrupt academic schedules and create financial strain, as they depend on monthly tuition fees to manage operational costs and pay staff salaries. Smaller schools, in particular, face challenges in shifting to online learning due to limited digital infrastructure.

Parents have shown mixed reactions. Some support the move as a necessary step to conserve energy during a critical period, while education experts caution that prolonged closures could widen the learning gap especially between students with and without access to online education.

Officials emphasize that the extension is a temporary measure and will be reviewed based on how the energy situation evolves. The ongoing crisis continues to impact multiple sectors across Punjab, including transport, businesses, and households, amid rising fuel costs.