Private schools in Islamabad will now follow a four-day workweek, with classes held only from Monday to Thursday. The Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA), under the Ministry of Federal Education, issued the notification on April 2, 2026. The new schedule takes effect immediately and will continue until further orders.
The decision is part of the government’s austerity and fuel conservation measures. Pakistan is facing higher fuel prices and possible supply issues due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Friday will now be a holiday for private schools in the Islamabad Capital Territory. This change aims to reduce daily commuting by students, teachers, and staff, thereby saving fuel and lowering transport costs.
Different provinces have adopted slightly different approaches. In Punjab, many schools are also shifting to a four-day week with Friday as a holiday and adjusted shorter timings. Sindh has resumed regular in-person classes with the usual weekend on Saturday and Sunday.
The federal government had earlier announced broader austerity steps, including a four-day workweek for offices, work-from-home policies, and temporary school closures in March 2026. The latest move for Islamabad private schools continues this effort to cut fuel consumption across the country.
Parents and school administrations have been asked to adjust their routines accordingly. While the step may help save fuel, some families worry about the impact on learning hours and children’s routines.
Officials say the situation will be reviewed regularly based on fuel availability and prices.
