Lahore: The Punjab School Education Department has officially dismissed a viral notification circulating on social media that falsely claimed all schools across the province would remain closed from April 6 to April 25, 2026 due to rising petrol prices.
Authorities have confirmed that no such decision has been taken, labeling the notification as completely fabricated and misleading.
Viral School Closure Notification Declared Fake
The fake notification, widely shared across WhatsApp and social media platforms, suggested that the Punjab government had ordered extended school closures in response to increasing fuel costs.
However, officials have strongly denied these claims.
A spokesperson for Punjab’s education minister, Noor Ul Huda, clarified that:
The notification being circulated online is fake and has no connection with the School Education Department.
Govt Urges Public to Verify Information
The department has urged parents, students, and school administrations to avoid spreading unverified information, warning that such misinformation can create unnecessary panic and confusion.
Officials emphasized that:
- All educational institutions across Punjab remain open as per schedule
- No تعطیلات (holidays) have been announced in relation to petrol prices
- Any future decisions will be shared through official government channels only
Rising Concern Over Social Media Misinformation
This incident highlights the growing issue of fake news and misleading notifications being spread online, especially regarding sensitive public matters like education.
Authorities have advised citizens to:
- Verify news before sharing
- Follow official government sources
- Report suspicious or fake notifications
No Change in Academic Schedule
The Punjab School Education Department reiterated that there has been no change in the current academic calendar.
Students are expected to continue attending classes as usual, and schools will operate according to the previously announced schedule.
Final Thoughts
The Punjab government has moved quickly to debunk misinformation regarding school closures, reassuring parents and students that academic activities will continue uninterrupted. Citizens are encouraged to remain cautious and verify all news through official channels to avoid confusion.