Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has signalled a possibility of extending the winter vacation of educational institutions beyond January 9, 2024, on account of severe weather conditions in the province.

But he has also made clear that no decision has been taken yet.

The chief minister also made it clear that the extension would be based on the recommendation of the education department.

His remarks followed a statement from the Met Office rebutting claims about a cold snap taking over Pakistan.

Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces have already extended winter vacations till January 9 given a rather harsh winter this year. Originally the vacations were to end on December 31.

Pakistani social media is rife with claims about another extension in vacations.

During his visit to Lahore Zoo on Friday, Naqvi said the severe fog and weather conditions could become the reason for extending the winter vacations but the decision will be taken after the recommendation of the education department.

Winter vacation in Punjab’s non-formal schools to start from Jan 1

Punjab extends winter vacations till January 9

More holidays? Met Office clarifies claims about unusually harsh winter

Interim CM expressed concern about increasing smog in Punjab, especially in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

He said the twin cities did not experience such dense fog in the past.