Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said the decision was taken in view of severe weather conditions and public opinion.

He said the extension was based on a public poll conducted on his official social media page.

According to the minister, 87 per cent of respondents supported extending the holidays, while around 13 per cent voted in favour of reopening educational institutions on January 12.

He said 154,178 votes were cast in favour of reopening on January 19, compared to 24,829 votes for reopening on January 12.

Rana Sikandar Hayat said the decision was made after public consultation to protect students and teachers from the effects of extreme cold.