Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has opposed a proposal to close schools for three days a week. He said the plan would not lead to significant savings in fuel or operating costs.
Hayat also clarified that no official proposal had reached him so far. His comments come amid reports of possible fuel-saving measures linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The minister wants schools to continue operating on their scheduled teaching days. He has also called for the education sector to be exempted from any fuel conservation restrictions.
Why the Minister Opposed the Proposal
Rana Sikandar Hayat said closing schools on Fridays would not produce substantial fuel savings. He explained that most students already walk to school.
According to the minister, around 90 percent of students in Punjab’s government schools travel on foot. He also claimed that a similar proportion of private-school students walk to school.
Based on these figures, Hayat argued that an additional weekly closure would have a limited effect on diesel consumption. He also said it would not significantly reduce other school operating expenses.
The minister urged the federal government to exclude educational institutions from fuel-saving restrictions. He said schools should continue their regular academic activities.
Has Punjab Approved Three-Day School Closures?
There is no reported official approval of a three-day weekly school closure plan in the available coverage. Hayat said he had not received such a proposal in his capacity as Punjab’s education minister.
The reports have raised questions about whether schools across Punjab could adopt a reduced working schedule. However, the minister’s comments show that he does not support the proposal.
For students, parents and school administrations, the reported plan should not be treated as an approved change to the school calendar. Any changes to school timings or holidays would need to be announced by the relevant authorities.
Until an official notification is issued, schools should continue following their existing schedules. The situation may change if the government announces new fuel conservation measures.
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