The decision was taken during a NCOC meeting, which also discussed winter vacations for schools, the vaccination process and the Coronavirus pandemic.

According to sources, the officials decided that winter vacations for educational institutions will start in January 2022, whereas winter vacations for educational institutions in areas that receive snowfall will remain as usual.

They added that the decision to start the winter vacations in January was taken after recommendations from all provinces during the Inter-Provincial Education Ministers Conference (IPEMC).

The NCOC also decided to continue the vaccination process at educational institutions.

Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood on Tuesday said the IPEMC had agreed to hold winter holidays from December 25 to January 4. He did add that further notifications will be given by the concerned government departments.

According to media reports, upper parts of Hazara Division on Tuesday received the heaviest snowfall of the ongoing winter season that turned the weather freezing cold in the area.