Government of Punjab Announces School Holidays Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions

The Government of Pakistan has declared a holiday for all schools in Punjab from May 08 to May 10, 2025, in response to escalating tensions and recent Indian drone attacks. The Punjab School Education Department issued the notification following directives from the federal government, prioritizing the safety of students and staff during this volatile period.

Current Situation: Rising Tensions and Indian Drone Attacks

The announcement comes amid a rapidly deteriorating security situation following overnight Indian drone attacks on May 07–08, 2025. Pakistan’s military reported that India launched drone and missile strikes on multiple locations, including Lahore, Karachi, and areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, killing one civilian and injuring four soldiers. The attacks targeted civilian areas and military installations, with a significant incident in Muridke where drones reportedly damaged a mosque’s administrative office. Pakistan’s air defense systems shot down 25 Indian drones, while India claims to have neutralized Pakistani counterattacks.

Holiday Details and Safety Advisory

The school closure applies to all public and private schools across Punjab and does not extend to colleges, universities, or offices unless separately announced. The government has advised parents and students to stay indoors, avoid border areas, and rely on official updates from the Punjab School Education Department (www.schools.punjab.gov.pk) or federal channels. Regular classes are scheduled to resume on May 11, 2025, unless the situation worsens.

Public Advisory

With flight operations suspended at major airports like Lahore and Karachi, and markets like the KSE index plummeting 6.3%, the government urges citizens to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified news, and report suspicious activities to local authorities.