The Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) has officially announced the winter vacation schedule for all private schools and colleges operating in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
According to a notification issued on December 19, 2025, all registered private educational institutions in Islamabad will remain closed from December 26, 2025, to January 3, 2026, due to the winter break.
Academic activities will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026, and institutions have been instructed to strictly adhere to the approved schedule.
PEIRA Notification: What You Need to Know
PEIRA confirmed that the decision was taken under the powers granted by the Islamabad Capital Territory Private Educational Institutions (Registration & Regulation) Act, 2013.
The official circular has been circulated to:
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Principals and chief executive officers of private schools and colleges
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Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training
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Relevant ICT-PEIRA members
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IT departments for public notification
The authority emphasized that no deviation from the announced dates will be allowed.
Private and Public Institutions Now Aligned
The announcement brings private institutions in line with government schools and colleges in the federal capital.
Earlier, the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) had declared winter holidays for all public schools and colleges in Islamabad, covering both urban and rural areas.
Under the FDE schedule:
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Government institutions will also remain closed from December 26 to January 3
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Classes will resume on January 5, 2026
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Saturday, January 10, will be observed as a working day for teaching and non-teaching staff
Why Winter Vacations Matter
With temperatures dropping across Islamabad and surrounding areas, the winter break aims to:
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Protect students from cold weather–related health issues
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Provide families time to rest and reconnect
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Ensure a smooth restart of academic activities in January
Education officials say the synchronized schedule across public and private sectors will help reduce confusion for parents and students.
Quick Summary
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Winter holidays: Dec 26, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026
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Applies to: All private schools & colleges in Islamabad
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Reopening date: Monday, Jan 5, 2026
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Issued by: PEIRA
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Law reference: ICT Private Educational Institutions Act, 2013
