The School Education Department of Punjab issued a notification on Friday, confirming the extended closure and a shift to online learning for all educational institutions, including both private and public centres up to the higher secondary level (Grade 12)
Lahore: The government of Punjab, Pakistan, has announced an extension in the closure of all public and private educational institutions, including schools and tuition centers, until November 24 due to severe smog conditions, according to reports from ARY News. This decision comes after the air pollution continues to worsen across the province. Lahore, in particular, has recorded alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, reaching a record high of 1600, indicating hazardous air quality conditions, Ary News reported.
Extended closure of schools in Punjab
The School Education Department of Punjab issued a notification on Friday, confirming the extended closure and a shift to online learning for all educational institutions, including both private and public centres up to the higher secondary level (Grade 12) in the wake of prevailing smog conditions and reduced visibility in the province. The closure is extended till November 24 and excludes the territorial jurisdiction of District Murree. Earlier, the educational institutions were shut until November 17, but the deteriorating smog situation necessitated a further extension.
Lockdown measures in the province
To control the smog crisis, the Punjab Government imposed a complete three-day lockdown in Lahore and Multan on Friday. This lockdown will be enforced on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, while authorities will monitor air quality on the remaining weekdays. However, authorities have also warned that the lockdown could begin earlier if conditions worsen, ARY news reported. In addition to that, the Government has also imposed a one-week ban on construction works in Lahore and Multan which took effect on November 16.
Government strategies to counter air pollution
A senior Minister for Information and Environment Protection, Marriyum Aurangzeb, highlighted the severe health risks posed by smog during a press conference, comparing its impact to that of the COVID-19 pandemic. She even stated to impose long-term strategies to counter the deteriorating air quality in Pakistan including the regulation of motorcycle and rickshaw emissions, regular petrol pump inspections to ensure compliance with fuel quality standard, and intensifying actions against encroachments in Murree to address environmental degradation. She further emphasized that the air pollution has become a national concern as it is affecting even the traditional cleaner regions such as Murree.
Health emergency declared in Lahore and Multan
Additionally, the Punjab government has declared a health emergency in Lahore and Multan due to the worsening smog condition as it is severely affecting the health and well-being of millions across the region, as reported by The News International. The authorities are urging citizens to take precautions as the efforts are underway to implement both immediate and long-term solutions to combat the crisis and improve air quality in Punjab.
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