Public schools to remain open today

LAHORE: Despite the significance of Youm-e-Takbeer celebrated every year on May 28, the School Education Department (SED) Punjab had initially announced summer vacation starting on May 28 (today) for both public and private schools, seemingly overlooking the historical importance of the day when Pakistan conducted its nuclear tests in 1998.

However, just a day before the occasion, the department has now revised its stance and issued a notification ensuring that all public schools across Punjab will remain open on May 28 to commemorate the occasion. The notification emphasises the significance of Youm-e-Takbeer as a milestone in the nation's history, symbolising Pakistan’s strength, resilience, and technological advancement.

It directs District Education Authorities (DEAs) across Punjab to organise special events in public schools, including morning assemblies featuring patriotic songs and tributes to the armed forces. Schools have been instructed to hold speech competitions on topics such as Pakistan’s nuclear journey and national security, along with art/poster and Milli Naghmey (national songs) competitions.

The top winner at the district level in each category will receive a cash prize of Rs50,000. Following the celebrations, the announcement for summer vacations will be made, reads the notification.

This decision highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring that the significance of May 28 is recognised in educational institutions while maintaining its earlier stance on summer vacations.

As per the notification, a copy available with The News, the DEAs have been asked to submit reports of activities, along with pictorial evidence, via email and official WhatsApp groups.

It is pertinent to mention here that summer vacations, set to begin on June 1, 2025 were announced earlier this year in response to the severe heat conditions. Sources in the SED Punjab revealed that the decision to announce summer vacations earlier this year was primarily made by Education Minister Rana Sikandar, who responded to public concerns about rising temperatures shared on social media. In doing so, the announcement overlooked the significance of May 28. “Had this not been the case, the initial vacation notification, dated May 20, would have explicitly mentioned Youm-e-Takbeer events,” an official, who requested anonymity, told The News.

Several school teachers also pointed out that the latest notification was issued on what was expected to be the last school day, and that too after school hours. As a result, many students, unaware of the change, are unlikely to attend the scheduled events at their schools on Wednesday (today).