Extreme Weather Alert: Cold and Snowfall Lead to Temporary School Closure
A powerful westerly weather system has tightened its grip on northern Pakistan, triggering heavy snowfall, road blockages, and extreme cold, prompting authorities to suspend educational activities in multiple regions. The closures, announced in late January 2026, are part of precautionary measures to protect students as winter conditions intensify.
✅ Regions with Confirmed School Closures
Local administrations in mountainous areas have officially ordered a two-day closure of all public and private educational institutions.
📍 Official Closure Schedule
| Region | Closure Dates | Expected Reopening |
|---|---|---|
| Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) | Jan 23 – Jan 24 (Fri–Sat) | Monday, Jan 26, 2026 |
| Galiyat & Murree | Situational / Early Closures | Under continuous monitoring |
| Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | Situation-based | Subject to road clearance |
🗓️ Long Weekend for AJK Students
Since Sunday is a regular weekly holiday, students in Azad Kashmir will now enjoy an extended long weekend, with schools expected to reopen on Monday, provided weather and road conditions improve.
🌨️ Impact of the Snowfall & Cold Wave
The ongoing westerly wave has brought dangerous winter conditions across multiple regions, severely affecting daily life.
❄️ Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Heavy snowfall has been reported in:
- Leepa Valley
- Hattian Bala
- Arang Kel
- Neelum Valley
Roads have become slippery and hazardous, making school transport unsafe, particularly in high-altitude villages.
❄️ Gilgit-Baltistan
In upper areas of Astore, snowfall of 2 to 3 feet has been recorded:
- Land routes have been cut off
- Residents confined indoors
- Emergency supplies being monitored
❄️ Murree & Galiyat
- Murree is under an official Travel Advisory
- Continuous snowfall expected through Friday
- Tourists advised to:
- Use tire chains
- Avoid unnecessary travel
- Expect possible road closures
❄️ Balochistan
Northern districts have also been hit:
- Snowstorms partially blocked the Quetta–Ziarat Highway
- Several vehicles stranded
- Clearance operations underway
🌡️ Situation in Punjab & Sindh: Schools Open, But With Adjustments
While the plains have avoided closures, authorities have introduced protective measures to counter record-breaking cold.
📍 Sindh
- School timings shifted to 9:00 AM
- Applicable until January 26, 2026
- Aimed at protecting children from early morning cold exposure
📍 Punjab
- After a week-long extension of winter vacations earlier this month (up to Jan 19), schools are now operational
- Education Department has issued strict instructions:
- Students may wear any warm clothing
- Uniform rules relaxed (jackets, sweaters, coats allowed)
Major cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi remain operational but under cold-weather advisories.
⚠️ Safety Advisory for Parents & Students
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) have issued the following precautions:
🧣 Stay Warm
- Dress children in layers
- Use thermal wear, socks, gloves, and caps
🔥 Heating Safety
- Avoid unsafe heating methods
- Do not leave gas heaters on overnight
- Ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
🚗 Travel Advisory
- Avoid travel to hill stations like Murree and Kalam
- Heavy snowfall can cause:
- Sudden landslides
- Road blockages
- Loss of mobile network coverage
🔎 Final Outlook
The next 48–72 hours are critical. Authorities are closely monitoring weather patterns, road clearance, and public safety. Further closures or travel restrictions may be announced if snowfall intensifies.
For now:
