LAHORE: Punjab’s education sector continues to operate on a normal schedule, with no plans for school closures or a transition to online learning, provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat confirmed on Thursday. The minister emphasized that all educational institutions across the province are conducting regular in-person classes, and the academic calendar remains unaffected.
Addressing concerns over potential disruptions, Minister Hayat clarified that students from Grade VIII to Grade XII are attending classrooms for face-to-face instruction, and teachers are delivering lessons as scheduled. He stressed that ongoing assessments and examinations are being carried out within school premises, with no alternative arrangements such as online assessments or remote learning currently planned.
“The province has no directives for school closures, and our schools are operating smoothly,” Hayat stated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to uninterrupted education for students at all levels. His remarks come amid circulating reports and speculation suggesting a possible shift to online learning, which he firmly dismissed.
Sources within the education department confirmed that there has been no official notification regarding any suspension of classes or change in the mode of instruction. All schools are following the pre-established timetable, and academic evaluations for higher grades are proceeding as planned.
Officials noted that the decision to maintain traditional classroom instruction reflects the government’s focus on ensuring continuity in student learning and preserving the integrity of the academic calendar. Teachers, school administrators, and staff are actively engaged in providing classroom lessons, supporting students’ educational progress, and overseeing examinations.
Minister Hayat highlighted that maintaining in-person classes is crucial, particularly for senior students preparing for board assessments and other evaluations. He assured parents, students, and educators that the provincial government is closely monitoring the situation and that any updates regarding academic schedules would be communicated promptly.
In addition to regular lessons, the minister confirmed that schools are continuing to implement standard academic protocols, ensuring that assessments, tests, and classroom activities remain uninterrupted. This approach aims to minimize disruption to student learning and provide a stable educational environment throughout the province.
Education authorities reiterated that while alternative modes of instruction, such as online classes, remain a possibility in extraordinary circumstances, there are no immediate plans to implement them. The focus, for now, is on sustaining in-person instruction, supporting teaching staff, and ensuring that students complete their curriculum without interruption.
Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat confirmed that there are no plans to close schools or move to online learning, providing reassurance to parents and educators that the province’s educational activities will continue uninterrupted.
This clear stance from the provincial government underscores its commitment to maintaining educational stability while ensuring that students receive consistent, high-quality classroom instruction throughout the academic year.
