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The Punjab government has officially launched Phase-II of the School Meal Program, expanding efforts to improve child nutrition and support primary education across the province. The initiative is being implemented by the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) in collaboration with the Labour and Human Resources Department.

Under the second phase, more than 14,100 students are receiving free meals in 36 selected schools, including government primary schools and labour welfare institutions. The launch ceremony took place at Worker Welfare Primary School in Nishtar Town, where Provincial Minister Khawaja Muhammad Mansha Ullah Butt inaugurated the program alongside PFA Director General Asim Javaid.

The meal program will run for three months and includes a balanced diet consisting of meat, pulses, vegetables, and fresh fruits. Authorities said the focus goes beyond food distribution, aiming to improve overall nutrition awareness and promote healthy eating habits among children.

Health assessments will be conducted before and after the program to measure its impact. Officials also announced plans to extend the initiative to 73 additional labour welfare schools. According to the National Nutritional Survey, nearly 40 per cent of children suffer from stunting, highlighting the urgency of such interventions.

Punjab education authorities have approved wide-ranging reforms to the Matric and Intermediate annual examinations starting in 2026, introducing technology-driven measures to strengthen transparency and discipline across all boards.

A biometric attendance system will be made mandatory at examination centres. Students will be required to verify their identity through biometric authentication before entering exam halls, ensuring only genuine candidates are allowed to sit in the exams.

Officials said the move is aimed at eliminating impersonation and fake candidates, a long-standing issue in board examinations. The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting at BISE Lahore, attended by representatives of all nine Punjab education boards.

Authorities acknowledged that the existing practical examination system lacks seriousness and effective oversight. Under the new reforms, practical exams will be subject to the same monitoring standards as theory papers, with improved supervision and accountability.

Plans are also underway to introduce standardized marking criteria for practical exams to ensure uniform assessment across Punjab. The installation of CCTV cameras in laboratories during practicals is under active consideration to curb cheating and favoritism.

A digital marks entry system for both theory and practical papers is also being proposed. Officials said this would reduce errors, prevent tampering, and speed up result compilation.

The meeting also discussed increasing remuneration for exam staff and supervisors, with authorities stressing a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. Officials said these reforms aim to restore student trust and ensure fair results in the 2026 exam cycle.

Australia has opened applications for fully-funded Australia Awards Scholarships for Pakistani students, offering an opportunity to pursue Master’s degrees at leading Australian universities. The scholarships are part of Australia’s international development assistance aimed at strengthening long-term cooperation with Pakistan.

The program is designed to develop future leaders and professionals who can contribute to addressing Pakistan’s key development challenges. Studies under this intake will begin in 2027, and the scholarships are strictly available for Master’s level programs at recognised institutions.

The initiative places strong emphasis on capacity building, leadership development, and knowledge sharing. Special encouragement has been given to women, people with disabilities, and candidates from marginalised communities to apply.

Priority fields include climate change, environmental sustainability, women and girls’ empowerment, agriculture, food security, water management, infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth. Selected scholars will receive full tuition fees, return airfare, a living allowance, health cover, and other academic support.

Applicants must be Pakistani citizens residing in Pakistan, meet education and work experience requirements, and submit a Development Impact and Linkages Plan. Successful candidates will be required to return to Pakistan for at least two years after completing their studies to apply their skills for national development.

February could turn into a festive and relaxing month for residents of Punjab as the provincial government reviews a proposal to declare Wednesday, February 4, a public holiday on account of Shab-e-Barat. If approved, the move may result in multiple consecutive holidays across the province.

Although no official notification has been issued yet, government circles suggest the proposal is under active consideration. A Shab-e-Barat holiday would benefit government employees, private sector workers, students, and businesses, giving many people an extended break in the middle of the week.

Separately, the Punjab government has already confirmed a local holiday in Lahore on February 6 to facilitate Basant Festival celebrations. The decision was taken following recommendations from the district administration, which emphasized the need for better crowd management and public safety.

With Friday already a regular holiday, Lahore residents could enjoy a four-day long weekend from Thursday to Sunday. Officials believe the additional holiday will help reduce traffic congestion and ensure smoother movement during festivities.

Authorities have stressed the importance of safety, discipline, and organized celebrations. Parents have also been advised to ensure that children under 18 participate in Basant activities only under family supervision, as maintaining public order remains a top priority.

The University of Engineering and Technology (UET) has issued a new notification announcing an extension in semester vacations, providing additional relief to students ahead of the upcoming academic session. As per the latest update, the reopening of campuses has been postponed by one week.

According to the notification, classes that were earlier scheduled to resume on February 2 will now begin on February 9. All academic activities across UET campuses will restart from the revised date.

The university administration has also confirmed that Spring Semester 2026 registration has been shifted to February 9, aligning with the new reopening schedule. The decision applies to all study programs without exception.

This includes morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend classes, ensuring uniform implementation across departments. Officials stated that the update was shared through an official notice to avoid confusion among students and faculty.

UET said the extension aims to give students additional preparation time and ensure a smooth and organized start to the new semester.

The Punjab education system is actively preparing for the 8th Class Annual Exams 2026, a key academic milestone for students and parents across the province. The examinations will be conducted under a uniform policy, ensuring the same rules and standards in all districts.

According to information from the official Punjab education authorities, the exam session will be Annual 2026, and the papers will be written-based. Based on previous academic schedules, exams are expected to begin in March 2026.

The date sheet has not yet been announced and is likely to be issued 20 to 25 days before the exams. Students will be able to access it online in PDF format and through their respective schools.

Schools have been instructed to complete the syllabus on time and prepare students under updated assessment guidelines, with a stronger focus on conceptual understanding rather than rote learning.

Roll number slips will be issued via schools before exams. Papers are expected to be held during the morning shift, starting around 9:00 AM, lasting 2 to 3 hours.

Results are expected in April or May 2026. Students and parents are advised to rely only on official announcements and avoid unverified information on social media.

The Sindh government has officially announced a province-wide holiday for all schools on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in observance of Shab-e-Barat, a significant Islamic occasion.

According to the notification, the decision applies to both public and private educational institutions operating across the province. All schools falling under the administrative control of the School Education and Literacy Department, Government of Sindh, will remain closed on the announced date.

The official notification was issued on January 30, 2026, directing relevant authorities to ensure full implementation of the decision. Education officials have also been instructed to circulate the notification to all concerned institutions so that students, parents, and staff are informed on time.

Shab-e-Barat is observed on the 15th night of Shaban in the Islamic calendar and holds deep religious importance for Muslims. The night is traditionally marked by special prayers, worship, and seeking forgiveness, with many believers spending time in mosques and at home engaged in religious activities.

The holiday will allow students and families to observe the occasion with due reverence. Normal academic activities in schools across Sindh are expected to resume after the holiday, as per the regular schedule announced by education authorities.

The Sindh High Court has ordered all private schools in the province to reserve 10% of seats for free education, emphasizing the right to education for underprivileged children. The ruling aims to ensure that quality education is accessible to all segments of society, regardless of financial means.

According to the court, schools failing to comply may face strict enforcement actions. Authorities highlighted that the responsibility lies with the school management to implement the quota effectively and maintain records for oversight.

The decision comes as part of broader efforts to promote educational equality in Sindh, addressing the gap between private and public education. Schools are encouraged to identify eligible students based on need and provide necessary support, including books, uniforms, and learning materials, to ensure meaningful participation.

Officials stressed that this initiative will not only benefit disadvantaged students but also strengthen social responsibility within private institutions. By integrating free education into their systems, schools can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable educational environment across the province.

The court’s directive is expected to take effect immediately, with follow-ups planned to monitor compliance. Experts believe this step will increase access to quality education for thousands of children and reinforce Sindh’s commitment to educational development and social justice.

The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Peshawar has officially announced the schedule for the Matric annual exams 2026. The exams are set to begin on March 31, 2026, giving students ample time to prepare for their final assessments.

The early announcement aims to help students organize their study plans and ensure smooth preparation. Controller of Examinations, Inamullah Shah, confirmed the release of the exam dates and assured that the board is taking measures to facilitate a well-managed examination process.

Students can expect the release of date sheets, roll number slips, and detailed instructions in the coming weeks. The board emphasized the importance of adherence to these schedules to maintain fairness and efficiency during the exams.

The announcement reflects BISE Peshawar’s commitment to structured academic planning and student readiness across the province. Officials highlighted that the early release of dates is part of efforts to reduce last-minute stress for students and ensure an orderly examination environment.

The board has urged students and parents to stay updated through official channels for all notifications regarding the exams. With a focus on organization and preparation, BISE Peshawar aims to provide a smooth and transparent examination experience for all candidates appearing in the 2026 Matric exams.

The Punjab Examination Commission (PECTA) is facing a serious funding shortfall for the upcoming Grade 8 board exams, raising the possibility that tests may be held for only four subjects: Urdu, English, Mathematics, and Science.

Officials say that running the exams across the province transparently would require nearly Rs 1 billion. PECTA is in discussions with the Punjab government to secure the necessary budget.

Around 50,000 invigilators are expected to be deployed and compensated daily for their services. To simplify the process, students will not need to submit admission forms, as roll numbers will be automatically generated through the School Information System (SIS).

Currently, over one million students are registered for the exams in Punjab. Authorities have stated that a final decision regarding the exam structure and subjects will be announced soon, pending confirmation of funding and logistics.

This move highlights the financial challenges faced by provincial education authorities and the efforts being made to ensure the smooth conduct of the exams.