Punjab Schools Remain Closed for Another Week Due to Severe Smog

LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced an extension of school closures throughout the province, except Murree, for an additional week. This decision aims to address the hazardous smog conditions that have persisted in recent weeks.

Initially, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned schools and colleges in the districts of Lahore and Faisalabad as well as several other districts from November 7th to November 17th, 2024 and shifted classroom activities online in order to minimize exposure of students to polluted air.

The most recent action by the government has also been in compliance with such actions such as the extension of school closures for another week, sequel to the ongoing toxic smog efforts.

Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb proclaimed at a press conference in Lahore that colleges and universities will transition to online classes to guarantee the protection of students.

In Lahore and Multan, which were the most severely affected by the pollution, the Punjab administration proclaimed a “health emergency.” The provincial minister declared that a complete closure would be implemented in both Multan and Lahore on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. He also stated that the government will make an additional determination on the following Wednesday.

“The construction activities in the two cities will be banned from this Saturday until next Sunday to reduce further pollution,” the provincial minister added.

The Minister also disclosed new operating hours for the restaurants in Lahore and Multan during a press conference. The restaurants will now be open for dining until 4 p.m. and will only provide delivery service until 8 p.m.