PESHAWAR: Parents and citizens have called for a review of the existing school holiday calendar, citing prolonged high temperatures in the wake of changing weather patterns and warning that children could face difficulties attending schools during periods of extreme heat.
According to the weather forecast, temperatures in Peshawar are expected to remain between 33 and 39 degrees Celsius in September, following the intense heat recorded in August. Parents said the prolonged hot weather could make it difficult for children to travel to school in the morning and remain in classrooms for several hours.
Previously, the hottest summer days would be recorded in June and July. But now, people have reported that due to changes in weather patterns, the hot days continue until August and September, making the question arise whether the current schedule is appropriate.
Parents are asking the government to review the current schedule for summer and winter vacations and make decisions based on weather conditions and forecasts rather than strictly following the current schedule.
“Children’s health and education are both important,” parents said, calling for an academic calendar that takes into account periods of extreme heat, cold and other severe weather conditions. They also called for appropriate changes in school timings during prolonged heatwaves to reduce the risks and discomfort faced by students.
Experts have also highlighted the need to reconsider Pakistan’s education schedules in light of climate change and shifting weather patterns.
Citizens said a weather-responsive academic calendar could help protect children from unnecessary hardship while ensuring continuity of education. They urged the government to develop a long-term policy under which school timings and holidays could be adjusted according to prevailing and forecast weather conditions.
