Lahore/Islamabad, May 11, 2025: All public and private educational institutions across Punjab and the Islamabad Capital Territory will resume normal operations from Monday, May 12, following a temporary suspension due to heightened regional tensions.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced on Sunday that schools, colleges, and universities in the province will reopen as the security situation has stabilized. A similar decision has been confirmed by officials in Islamabad, where all educational institutions will also resume regular classes.
Academic activities had been on hold since May 7, when Indian drone strikes targeted areas in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. In response, authorities ordered the immediate closure of schools and colleges as a precautionary measure.
“The safety of our students and staff was our top priority. With the situation now under control, we are confident in allowing institutions to reopen,” said Minister Hayat in a statement issued from Lahore.
The cross-border incidents also forced the postponement of examinations conducted by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) in Lahore, Multan, and other regions. According to Zahid Mian, Controller of Examinations at BISE Lahore, the delayed papers included Quran translation and ethics, while practical exams for computer science and biology were also deferred.
BISE Multan similarly postponed its Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) theory exams and Secondary School Certificate (SSC) practicals scheduled for May 9. Revised exam schedules are expected to be announced soon.
