Pakistan schools face severe shortage of academic days

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Schools in the ongoing academic year are expected to face a severe shortage of instructional days, with reports indicating that classes will be conducted for only around 30 days during the first five months of the session.

In contrast, the previous year saw just 124 academic days, highlighting a continuing decline in classroom learning time. Although the 10th class has officially begun, students are projected to receive instruction on only seven days within the first five months, raising concerns over syllabus completion and academic quality.

Education experts have expressed concern over the shrinking academic calendar. Qazi Naeem Anjum, head of Pak Aiwan-e-Taleem, stated that at least 190 teaching days are necessary to properly complete the curriculum. He criticized frequent disruptions caused by public holidays, examinations, and seasonal events, arguing that these significantly hinder effective learning.

He further suggested that summer learning camps should be organized during vacations, proposing morning sessions from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and urged authorities to issue an official notification to support the initiative.

Punjab reviewing proposals regarding summer vacations in schools

Meanwhile, provincial governments have already announced extended summer vacations across schools and colleges due to rising temperatures. In Balochistan, holidays will begin on May 23, 2026, and continue until July 31. Sindh has scheduled vacations from June 1 to July 31, while Punjab has announced an even longer break from May 22 to August 23.

The overlapping challenges of shortened academic time and extended holidays have intensified debate over education planning and syllabus completion across the country.