Students brave blazing sun as varsities indecisive over summer break

Khalid Khattak

LAHORE:As the heat wave continues across Punjab and other parts of the country, university students remain especially vulnerable. But sadly, those at the helm remain indifferent.

While schools and colleges are closed for annual summer vacation in the province, there is no uniform policy for universities. Some, like Punjab University which is closed for summer vacation from June 5, 2025, to August 29, 2025, are off but many others, both public and private, remain open, forcing students to attend classes and commute in extreme heat.

This discrepancy in policies, in the name of autonomy, means that while some students enjoy a break, others must continue to navigate the difficulties of attending classes and commuting in extreme temperatures. The differing strategies highlight a lack of consensus on managing academic schedules during the peak summer weeks, raising questions about the impact on student well-being and academic performance.

In Lahore, the ongoing heat wave pushed temperatures to extreme highs on Thursday, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reporting that temperatures soared to as high as 50°C, and the heat intensity peaking at a scorching 60°C.

Over the past few weeks, the government issued multiple heat alerts, warning citizens of the heightened risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. These heatstroke alerts emphasise the need for precautions, especially during the hottest parts of the day. These alerts advise staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight, and wearing light clothing.

However, for students who must commute long distances, these precautions are often insufficient to mitigate the harsh conditions. The exposure to extreme heat during travel compounds the difficulties they face on campus, making it a struggle to maintain their health and academic performance. In the context of the ongoing discussion about the challenges faced by university students during the intense heat wave in Punjab, Dr Amjad Magsi, former president of the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA), who is also the incumbent president of PU Academic Staff Association (PUASA), agrees with the concerns raised by the university students and their parents about the impact of extreme heat on students’ health and academic performance.

Dr Magsi, while appreciating PU administration for summer break, proposes that universities could shift to an online mode of education during the peak of the heat season. This approach would allow students to continue their studies without the need to commute or attend classes in person, thereby reducing their exposure to the harsh weather conditions, he says.

Additionally, another university official points out a practical benefit of implementing a summer break for all universities: the potential reduction in electricity bills for universities. With campuses closed or operating minimally during the summer break, the energy consumption would decrease, leading to cost savings for the institutions.

These suggestions highlight the potential for flexible academic scheduling and the adoption of online learning as strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme heat on the university students. Furthermore, they underscore the financial advantages for universities in aligning their academic calendars with the summer season.