Azad Kashmir Declares Winter Holidays for All Schools. The government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has approved winter vacations for all public and private schools across the region. The decision applies to both cold and relatively warmer areas and sets clear dates for school closures. Authorities say the move aims to protect students and staff during harsh winter weather while ensuring a uniform academic break.
Official Notification and Approval
The winter vacation schedule was issued through an official notification by the Elementary and Secondary Education Department. The notification was formally signed by the Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education. It confirms that the schedule applies to every government and private educational institution in Azad Kashmir.
Winter Break Dates for Cold Areas
Schools located in colder regions of Azad Kashmir will observe a longer winter break. These institutions will remain closed from 26 December 2025 to 26 February 2026. The total duration of the break is 63 days. Education officials explained that extended closures are necessary in areas where snowfall, freezing temperatures, and difficult travel conditions disrupt daily school operations.
Winter Break Dates for Warmer Areas
Schools in relatively warmer parts of Azad Kashmir will follow a shorter schedule. These institutions will close from 29 December 2025 to 10 January 2026. The winter break for these areas will last 13 days. Officials noted that milder weather allows schools to reopen earlier without safety concerns.
Uniform Policy for Public and Private Schools
The notification makes it clear that the winter vacation schedule applies equally to all government and private schools. No separate rules exist for private institutions. Authorities said this approach ensures fairness and prevents confusion among parents, teachers, and school administrators.
How Other Regions Are Handling Winter Vacations
Education departments across Pakistan have also finalized their winter schedules. In Islamabad, schools and colleges under the Federal Directorate of Education will remain closed from 26 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, with classes resuming on 5 January 2026. Private institutions regulated by PEIRA must follow the same dates.
In Punjab, winter vacations will run from 22 December 2025 to 10 January 2026. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has introduced a zone-based system, offering shorter breaks in warmer zones and longer closures in colder areas.
Impact on Students and Families
The winter vacation announcement helps families plan travel, home study routines, and seasonal activities. Teachers and school staff can also prepare lesson plans and academic calendars with clarity. Officials believe the defined schedule will reduce disruptions and support student safety during extreme weather.
What Happens After the Break
Schools will reopen according to the dates set for their respective zones. Education departments have advised institutions to ensure smooth reopening by confirming attendance, adjusting timetables if needed, and completing any required maintenance during the closure period.
FAQs
When do winter vacations start in cold areas of Azad Kashmir?
Winter vacations start on 26 December 2025 and end on 26 February 2026.
How long is the winter break in warmer areas?
The break lasts 13 days, from 29 December 2025 to 10 January 2026.
Do private schools follow the same schedule?
Yes. The schedule applies to both government and private schools.
Why do cold areas have longer vacations?
Severe winter weather and travel difficulties make regular schooling unsafe in those regions.
Will schools reopen immediately after the break?
Yes. Schools are expected to reopen on the scheduled dates for their areas.
Conclusion
Azad Kashmir’s winter vacation plan sets clear and practical timelines for all schools. By adjusting schedules based on weather conditions, the government aims to protect students and ensure consistency across the education system. The decision also aligns Azad Kashmir with winter planning across other regions of Pakistan, giving families and schools the certainty they need for the winter season.
