The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has introduced an important update for thousands of students and teachers across the province. For the first time, all PEF partner schools will now observe a holiday on Saturdays, bringing relief to students who previously followed a six-day school week.
🕒 Revised School Timings Announced
Along with the new weekly holiday, PEF has also revised school timings.
The updated schedule is as follows:
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Monday to Thursday & Saturday: 8:45 AM to 1:30 PM
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Friday: 8:45 AM to 12:30 PM
These timings will remain in effect until April 15, 2026.
The decision aims to reduce academic pressure on students while ensuring a healthier balance between learning and rest. Schools have been advised to adjust their lesson planning accordingly.
📌 PEF’s Major Hiring Drive Last Month
Just a month ago, the Punjab Education Foundation launched a significant recruitment campaign featuring more than 100 vacancies across multiple departments.
Key positions included:
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8 Subject Specialists in major curriculum subjects
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Network Support Engineers
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Executive Assistants
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10 Driver posts offering Rs. 57,500 monthly salary
The hiring initiative reflects PEF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen educational standards and expand administrative capacity across Punjab.
😷 Private Schools Under Scrutiny for Smog Violations
Meanwhile, several private schools in Punjab are facing criticism for violating government orders related to smog and air quality. Despite strict instructions banning all outdoor activities due to rising pollution levels, some schools reportedly continued taking students on outings to:
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Joyland
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Jallo Park
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Safari Park
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Lahore Zoo
Parents and officials have raised concerns about student health, urging strict action against non-compliant institutions.
🔍 Why This News Matters
The new Saturday holiday and updated timings are expected to:
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Reduce student fatigue
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Improve learning performance
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Support better school management during peak smog season
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Align PEF schools more closely with government-run institutions
With major hiring underway and increased monitoring of school compliance, the education sector in Punjab is clearly moving through a phase of reform and reinforcement.
