The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has officially announced winter holidays for all federal schools and colleges in Islamabad. The decision has been taken due to the ongoing cold weather conditions and is meant to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. The notification applies to all Islamabad Model Schools and Colleges in both urban and rural areas. Parents, students, and teachers were waiting for this update, as winter vacations play an important role in academic planning. Below is a complete and easy-to-understand breakdown of the winter vacation schedule, official instructions, and how it compares with other provinces.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| City | Islamabad |
| Authority | Federal Directorate of Education |
| Holidays Start | 26 December 2025 |
| Holidays End | 3 January 2026 |
| Classes Resume | 5 January 2026 |
| Extra Working Day | 10 January 2026 |
Islamabad Winter Holidays Schedule Announced by FDE
The Federal Directorate of Education has confirmed that all federal educational institutions in Islamabad will remain closed from 26 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. This includes Islamabad Model Schools and Colleges operating under the federal system. According to the notification, the winter break is being granted due to falling temperatures in the region. Regular academic activities will restart on Monday, 5 January 2026. This schedule applies equally to institutions located in both urban and rural sectors of the capital.
Official Instructions for Teachers and Staff
Along with student holidays, the FDE has also issued clear instructions for teaching and non-teaching staff. While institutions will remain closed during the vacation period, Saturday, 10 January 2026, will be observed as a working day. Staff members will be required to report to duty on that day to complete official and priority tasks assigned by the Directorate. These instructions have been shared with school and college heads through Area Education Officers after approval from the Director General, FDE.
Official updates can be accessed via the FDE platform: https://fde.gov.pk
How the Notification Was Communicated
The winter holiday schedule has been formally communicated to all heads of institutions across Islamabad. Area Education Officers were responsible for delivering the instructions to ensure smooth implementation. This structured communication process helps avoid confusion among parents and students. The FDE has emphasized strict compliance so that academic calendars remain balanced. Institutions have also been advised to inform parents through notice boards and official school channels to ensure everyone is aware of reopening dates and staff schedules.
Winter Holidays Across Other Provinces
Winter vacations have also been announced in other provinces due to the cold wave affecting different regions of Pakistan. Each province has designed its schedule according to climate conditions.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has separate schedules for summer and winter zones
- Punjab has announced longer holidays due to dense fog and cold weather
- Sindh has approved shorter winter breaks for schools and colleges
These decisions show that provincial governments are adjusting academic calendars based on local weather severity. Punjab’s education updates can be checked at: https://schools.punjab.gov.pk
Why This Announcement Matters for Students
The winter holiday announcement is important for students, parents, and teachers alike. It allows families to plan travel, rest, and revision schedules in advance. For younger students, the break provides relief from harsh weather conditions. Teachers also benefit by getting time to prepare lesson plans for the next academic phase. Overall, the decision supports health, safety, and academic balance, especially during peak winter conditions in Islamabad.
Final Thoughts
This article has shared complete details about the winter holidays announced for schools and colleges in Islamabad under the Federal Directorate of Education. The holidays will run from 26 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, with classes resuming on 5 January. An additional working day has been scheduled for staff on 10 January. With similar announcements across other provinces, this step reflects a nationwide response to winter conditions while keeping education planning on track.
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