The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has announced an additional six-day holiday for all public and private educational institutions, extending the closure from March 24 to March 29, 2026. This decision follows earlier weekly off-days introduced for similar conservation reasons.

Punjab, on the other hand, is currently facing uncertainty regarding school holidays. As of March 24, 2026, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat stated that no decision has been made regarding an extension of school holidays. However, the Punjab government is considering extending the holidays until April 15, 2026, in light of ongoing energy issues.

The Punjab Energy Department has submitted recommendations aimed at reducing energy consumption, which include the possibility of extending school holidays. Currently, schools in Punjab are scheduled to remain closed until March 31, 2026.

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa closure is part of a broader provincial strategy focused on fuel conservation. By keeping campuses shut for an extended period, authorities hope to achieve meaningful savings in petroleum products and electricity without permanently disrupting the academic calendar.

Officials in Punjab are also exploring a shift toward a hybrid education model to further reduce energy usage. They are reviewing options such as extending school holidays and shortening market operating hours to manage the situation more effectively.

Parents in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are urged to keep their children engaged in self-study during the closure period. However, critics warn that unreliable internet connectivity in remote areas may hinder online learning during the closure.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final approval of the proposals for extending school holidays in Punjab. As the situation develops, further announcements are expected from both provincial governments regarding the education sector’s response to the ongoing energy crisis.