Has Sindh Announced a Holiday for Schools Tomorrow?. Confusion spread rapidly across Sindh on Friday after a notification circulated on social media claiming that all schools would remain closed on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The alleged holiday was linked to the annual Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a major religious event observed in the province.
Parents, students, and school administrations were left uncertain, as the document appeared official and carried reference numbers and signatures. However, the Sindh government has now issued a clear response to the viral claim.
Viral Notification Sparks Confusion Across Sindh
The controversy began when a notification started circulating widely on Facebook, WhatsApp, and other social platforms. The document claimed that all public and private educational institutions across Sindh would remain closed on February 7, 2026.
According to the notification, the decision was allegedly taken during a sub-committee meeting of the Steering Committee on Education. It stated that the closure would apply to public, private, semi-government, and autonomous institutions, including those located in Jamshoro.
The document appeared convincing. It used an official format, included reference numbers, and carried what looked like authorized signatures. This led many users to believe it was genuine, prompting schools to receive calls from concerned parents seeking confirmation.
Holiday Linked to Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar
The fake notification linked the supposed school holiday to the Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, one of the most revered Sufi saints in South Asia. His Urs is observed annually in Sehwan Sharif and attracts thousands of devotees from across Pakistan and abroad.
In the past, local holidays have sometimes been announced in specific districts during large religious gatherings to manage crowds and security. This historical context made the claim seem more believable, even though no official announcement had been made for 2026.
Because of this, many people assumed the provincial government had declared a province-wide closure, despite the lack of confirmation from official channels.
Education Minister Declares Notification Fake
The situation became clear after Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah publicly rejected the claims. He stated that the notification being shared on social media was fake and misleading.
The minister confirmed that the Sindh School Education and Literacy Department had not issued any notification announcing a school holiday on February 7. He emphasized that all educational institutions across the province were expected to operate as per their normal schedules.
His statement put an end to speculation and clarified that no province-wide closure had been approved.
No Official Holiday Announced for February 7
According to the education department, schools across Sindh will remain open unless an official notification is issued through proper government channels.
Officials stressed that any decision regarding school closures or public holidays is always announced formally. Such announcements are published through press releases, official websites, and verified social media accounts of the concerned departments.
In this case, no such announcement was made, confirming that the circulating document had no legal or administrative value.
Impact on Parents and School Administrations
The fake notification caused unnecessary stress for parents, especially those who needed to arrange transport and work schedules around their children’s school routines. Several private schools reported receiving dozens of calls asking whether classes would be held or not.
School administrations also faced confusion, as some staff members came across the notification late at night. Without official confirmation, schools were unable to make any internal announcements, leading to further uncertainty.
Education experts say such misinformation disrupts academic continuity and creates avoidable panic among families.
Government Urges Public to Verify Information
The education minister urged parents, students, and school administrations to avoid sharing unverified information. He advised the public to rely only on official government sources for updates related to school timings, holidays, and policy decisions.
He also warned that spreading fake notifications can cause administrative problems and undermine public trust in official institutions. Authorities are reportedly monitoring the situation to identify the source of the false document.
Officials reminded citizens that any genuine notification will always be accessible through recognized government platforms.
Rise in Fake Notifications on Social Media
This incident is not an isolated case. In recent years, fake government notifications related to school closures, exam cancellations, and public holidays have frequently surfaced on social media.
These documents often use official logos, formats, and language to appear authentic. Many users share them without verification, leading to widespread confusion before authorities step in to clarify.
Experts recommend checking official department websites or verified social media accounts before believing or forwarding such information.
How to Identify Fake Government Notifications
Education officials shared general advice to help the public identify fake notices. Genuine notifications usually include clear issuance dates, proper reference numbers that can be cross-checked, and publication through official channels.
If a notification appears only on social media and is not reported by credible news outlets, it should be treated with caution. Confirming information through school administrations or official government statements can prevent misinformation from spreading further.
Normal School Operations Continue
Following the clarification, schools across Sindh are continuing with normal academic activities. No special instructions have been issued regarding closures, revised timings, or emergency holidays related to the Urs.
Local administrations may still take area-specific measures for crowd control around Sehwan Sharif during the Urs, but these do not affect province-wide school operations.
Parents are advised to send their children to school as usual unless officially informed otherwise.
Conclusion
The Sindh government has confirmed that no school holiday has been announced for February 7, 2026. The viral notification claiming closures due to the Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is fake. Parents and schools should rely only on official government sources for accurate updates.
