The Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has officially announced winter vacations for all public and private schools across the region. The formal notification was issued by the Elementary and Secondary Education Department, confirming the winter holiday schedule for the academic year 2025–2026.
According to the notification, the Secretary Elementary and Secondary Education has approved the winter break plan, which divides the holidays based on weather conditions of different regions. Since Azad Kashmir includes both extremely cold mountainous areas and relatively warmer zones, the government has finalized two separate winter vacation schedules to best suit local conditions.
The decision ensures student safety during harsh winter conditions while also maintaining educational continuity in areas where weather remains manageable. The notification clearly mentions that this policy is applicable to both government and private educational institutions across AJK.
Winter Vacations for Cold Areas of Azad Kashmir
Schools located in colder regions of Azad Kashmir will experience a long winter break, mainly due to severe weather, heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and travel challenges.
According to the officially issued schedule:
- Winter vacations will begin from 26 December 2025
- Schools will reopen on 26 February 2026
- Institutions will remain closed for 63 days
These areas often experience continuous snowfall, blocked roads, slippery pathways, and extremely low temperatures during peak winter. Students who travel long distances on foot or public transport face serious safety risks in such weather. Therefore, the extended break ensures that children remain safe at home during the harsh winter period.
Many towns and villages in AJK are situated in high-altitude mountainous regions where daily life becomes challenging during peak winter months. Heating arrangements remain limited and mobility reduces, making routine schooling nearly impossible. The extended vacation period not only safeguards students but also gives families relief and stability during the coldest part of the year.
Shorter Winter Break for Warmer Areas
For schools located in relatively warmer regions of Azad Kashmir, the government has approved a shorter winter vacation period. These areas do not face intense snowfall or extreme cold, allowing normal routine to continue for most of the winter season.
As per the notification:
- Winter vacations will begin from 29 December 2025
- Schools will reopen on 10 January 2026
- The total duration of holidays will be 13 days
This shorter break helps maintain academic continuity. Students in warm climate regions do not require long breaks since travel remains possible, weather stays manageable, and school activities can proceed smoothly with minor winter precautions.
At the same time, the holidays still provide students and teachers a much-needed seasonal break, giving them time to rest, spend time with family, prepare for upcoming studies, and refresh before returning to school.
Applies to All Public and Private Schools in AJK
One key clarity in the notification is that the winter vacation schedule applies uniformly to all schools, including:
- Government schools
- Private schools
- Elementary institutions
- Middle schools
- High schools
- Higher secondary institutions under the Elementary and Secondary Education Department
This uniform implementation removes confusion, ensuring every institution follows the same approved winter schedule according to their region. School administrations have been directed to strictly follow the notified dates and ensure smooth reopening once the holidays end.
Why Winter Vacations Are Essential in Azad Kashmir
Azad Kashmir experiences one of the coldest winters in the region due to its mountainous geography. Heavy snowfall, icy winds, thick fog, and blocked roads are common during peak winter months.
Winter vacations play an important role for several reasons:
Ensuring Student Safety
Travel becomes highly risky in many areas due to snow-covered roads and slippery ground. Young students especially face difficulty walking long distances or commuting on unsafe routes.
Protecting Health
Winter brings seasonal flu, chest infections, throat problems, pneumonia risks, and respiratory issues. Holidays help reduce exposure to severe cold and infections.
Supporting Families
Many families in AJK rely on basic heating arrangements and winter preparations. A break gives them comfort, helps manage household needs, and allows better care of children.
Reducing Institutional Burden
Schools would need extra heating, maintenance, and resources if they remained open in extreme winter. Holidays reduce financial and operational pressure.
Thus, winter vacations are not merely a seasonal relaxation but an important safety and health measure in regions like Azad Kashmir.
Winter Holidays Across Pakistan — A National Outlook
The winter vacation announcement in AJK comes as education authorities across Pakistan finalize their own winter schedules ahead of peak cold months.
Islamabad Winter Vacations
In the federal capital Islamabad, schools and colleges under the Federal Directorate of Education will observe winter holidays from:
- 26 December 2025 to 3 January 2026
- Classes will resume from 5 January 2026
Private schools regulated by PEIRA have also been instructed to follow the same schedule.
Punjab Winter Holidays
Punjab government has already announced winter vacations from:
- 22 December 2025 to 10 January 2026
The decision applies to both public and private institutions. Punjab faces thick fog and low temperatures in winter, especially in central and northern regions, making holidays essential.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Winter Schedule
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has adopted a zone-based winter vacation policy, with:
- Shorter holidays in plain and summer regions
- Longer breaks in snowy and mountainous regions
This helps address diverse climatic conditions within the province.
Students, Parents, and Teachers Welcome the Decision
The winter holiday announcement has been warmly welcomed across Azad Kashmir. Students are excited and looking forward to enjoying the winter season, playing in snow in colder regions, staying warm at home, and spending quality time with family.
Parents appreciate the timely decision, especially in cold zones where winter conditions can become dangerous. It brings relief knowing children will not have to travel in freezing weather.
Teachers and school administrations have also praised the clarity of the schedule. Early notification helps management finalize exams, lesson plans, and academic adjustments before holidays begin.
Government’s Continued Focus on Education and Safety
The AJK government has emphasized that student safety, health protection, and academic stability remain top priorities. While winter brings natural challenges, the well-structured schedule ensures minimum disruption to education while maintaining safety.
Schools have been advised to strictly follow reopening schedules and ensure learning continuity through organized academic planning after the holidays.
Conclusion – Winter Vacations Announced in Azad Kashmir Schools
The official announcement of winter vacations in Azad Kashmir schools marks an important seasonal development for students, parents, and teachers. With clearly defined schedules for both cold and warm areas, the policy reflects thoughtful planning according to regional climate realities.
As Pakistan prepares for strong winter conditions, similar coordinated holiday announcements across Islamabad, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa highlight a nationwide commitment to student safety and smooth academic management.
Azad Kashmir’s winter vacation notification not only ensures protection from harsh weather but also supports families, students, and educational institutions as the region enters the peak winter season.