AJK Govt Announces Winter Holidays Schedule for Schools 2025–2026
The Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has officially announced winter holidays 2025–2026 for all public and private schools across the region. The decision has been taken in view of the upcoming harsh winter season, ensuring student safety and academic continuity in a balanced manner.
The Elementary and Secondary Education Department of AJK issued a formal notification stating that the winter vacation schedule will be implemented throughout the region. The notification has been signed and approved by the Secretary Elementary and Secondary Education, confirming that the holidays will be observed uniformly in both public and private institutions.
Like every year, the government has introduced separate winter vacation schedules for cold and warm areas, considering the weather severity and accessibility challenges faced during heavy snowfall in mountainous regions.
Winter Holidays Announced for Cold Areas of Azad Kashmir
Schools located in the colder regions of Azad Kashmir, where temperatures drop significantly and snowfall disrupts travel, will observe an extended winter vacation. According to the notification issued by the department:
- Winter vacations for cold areas will begin from 26 December 2025
- Schools will reopen on 26 February 2026
- Educational institutions will remain closed for 63 days
This long break is essential as life in higher altitude regions of AJK slows down during peak winter. Roads often become slippery or blocked due to snow, making it difficult and unsafe for students, especially those who walk long distances, to attend school.
Many areas experience severe cold winds, freezing temperatures, and frequent power disruptions during this season. Therefore, the extended closure helps ensure that children remain safe at home, avoiding health risks such as flu, pneumonia, and respiratory infections that become common during winter.
Parents in cold regions often appreciate this decision because it not only protects children from harsh weather but also reduces travel stress and safety concerns. Schools, on the other hand, use this time to plan academic restructuring, making sure no significant learning loss occurs.
Winter Break Schedule for Warmer Areas of AJK
For schools located in relatively warm or moderate climate regions of Azad Kashmir, the government has approved a shorter winter vacation period. As per the official schedule:
- Schools in warm areas will remain closed from 29 December 2025
- Classes will resume on 10 January 2026
- Total winter vacation duration will be 13 days
These regions do not experience extreme cold or heavy snowfall, allowing schools to function normally for most of the winter season. However, a short winter break is still necessary to give students and teachers time to rest, recover, and enjoy seasonal activities with their families.
This balanced approach ensures that academic time is not wasted unnecessarily in areas where weather remains manageable. It also helps maintain educational continuity and prevents long academic disruptions.
Applies to All Public and Private Schools in AJK
The AJK government has made it clear that the winter vacation schedule will apply to:
- Government schools
- Private educational institutions
- Elementary schools
- Secondary schools
- Higher secondary institutions under the Elementary and Secondary Education Department
This uniform policy helps prevent confusion among parents, students, and school administrations. It ensures that all institutions follow the same timeline based on their respective climate category.
The department has also emphasized that schools must strictly follow these dates and ensure a smooth reopening process once holidays end.
Why Winter Holidays Are Important in AJK
Winter in Azad Jammu and Kashmir is significantly colder than many other parts of Pakistan. Snowfall, freezing winds, fog, and low temperatures affect daily life, especially in mountainous communities.
Winter holidays serve several important purposes:
Safety of Students
Travel becomes risky due to snow-covered or slippery roads. Many students travel from remote villages, and winter breaks protect them from dangerous journeys in freezing temperatures.
Health Protection
Seasonal illnesses like influenza, chest infections, pneumonia, fever, and asthma problems increase in winter. Staying home helps children avoid exposure to harsh weather and health complications.
Relief for Parents and Teachers
Families get time to plan travel, manage household activities, and prepare for winter. Teachers also get time to rest and prepare lesson plans for the new academic phase.
Energy Conservation
Schools consume more heating energy during winter. A break helps reduce energy burden in many institutions.
Winter Holidays Across Pakistan — A Coordinated Season of Breaks
The winter vacation announcement in Azad Kashmir comes at a time when provinces and federal territories across Pakistan are finalizing and implementing their own winter holiday schedules.
Islamabad Winter Vacations
In Islamabad, schools and colleges under the Federal Directorate of Education will remain closed from:
- 26 December 2025 to 3 January 2026
- Classes will resume on 5 January 2026
Private institutions regulated by PEIRA have also been directed to follow the same schedule.
This unified break ensures consistency in the federal capital, allowing students and teachers to enjoy a peaceful winter holiday.
Punjab Winter Holidays
Punjab has already notified winter holidays for schools and colleges across the province. According to the notification:
- Schools will remain closed from 22 December 2025 to 10 January 2026
This schedule covers both public and private institutions, ensuring relief during foggy and extremely cold mornings commonly experienced in Punjab during late December and early January.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zone-Based Schedule
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has introduced a zone-based winter vacation policy, considering its diverse weather conditions.
- Summer/plain areas receive shorter breaks
- Snowy and colder mountain regions receive extended holidays
This flexible system ensures appropriate holiday planning according to local climate needs.
Students and Parents Welcome the Decision
The announcement has been widely welcomed by students and parents in Azad Kashmir. Children are excited for the holidays, looking forward to enjoying the winter season, spending time with family, visiting relatives, and engaging in seasonal activities.
Parents see the decision as timely and necessary, especially in areas where winter becomes extremely harsh. Many families also use this break for travel, winter tourism, and family gatherings.
Teachers and school administrations have also appreciated the clarity provided by the government through early notification. It allows schools to finalize exams, prepare schedules, and adjust academic calendars accordingly.
Government’s Continued Focus on Education
The AJK government continues to prioritize education while balancing safety and practicality. The winter vacation schedule reflects thoughtful planning, climate consideration, student welfare, and academic responsibility.
Authorities have instructed schools to resume classes on time once vacations end. Institutions are expected to ensure that any academic gap caused by holidays is covered through efficient planning and structured learning.
Conclusion – AJK Winter Holidays Schools Schedule 2025–2026
The announcement of winter holidays 2025–2026 by the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir brings clarity and relief for students, parents, and teachers. With separate schedules for cold and warm areas, the policy ensures both safety and educational balance.
As winter grips northern regions of Pakistan, similar vacation policies across Islamabad, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reflect a nationally coordinated approach towards student well-being and seasonal realities.
Azad Kashmir’s winter vacation notification confirms that education authorities continue to prioritize student safety, comfort, and smooth academic planning as the country enters the peak winter period.
