Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat on Friday said the provincial government was not considering closing schools or shifting classes online, dismissing speculation about possible energy-saving measures in the education sector.
The clarification came after reports suggested that authorities might introduce steps to reduce energy consumption following a surge in global oil prices after the recent US-Israel strikes on Iran.
In a post on X, the minister said schools across Punjab would continue to operate according to schedule and that there was no proposal to suspend in-person classes or introduce online learning.
Speaking to the media, Sikandar Hayat noted that educational institutions were currently conducting assessments for students from Grade VIII to XII, adding that the government had no plans to impose such restrictions.
His statement came a day after reports indicated that the federal government was considering online classes as part of a proposed “national action plan” aimed at adjusting work and education routines to conserve energy.
Sources familiar with the development said the plan could include digital learning, reduced office attendance and remote work for the corporate and IT sectors as part of broader energy-saving initiatives expected to take effect from March 2026.
Officials said educational institutions across the country could conduct online sessions to help reduce energy consumption and limit physical attendance, similar to the measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
