The Punjab Environment Department has issued a notification closing all educational institutions across various districts in the province.

As per the directive from the Punjab environment DG, schools, colleges, and other educational institutions, both private and public, will remain closed for in-person classes up to Class XII and A Levels.

The closure will be effective from November 7 to 17.

Also Read: Punjab closes primary schools for a week amid severe smog crisis

The notification states that all educational institutions would shift to online classes during this period to ensure the continuity of education. This decision applies to multiple districts, including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, and Narowal.

Additionally, schools in Faisalabad, Chiniot, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Multan, Lodhran, Vehari, and Khanewal will also close for the duration.

Last week, in response to the deteriorating air quality and worsening smog conditions in Lahore and across Punjab, the provincial government announced a one-week closure of all primary schools up to Class V in Lahore.

Also Read: Lahore’s air quality levels reach record highs, govt warns of lockdown

The Punjab environment department issued a notification in this regard. As per the notification, schools were to be closed from Nov 4 to 9.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb made the announcement, emphasizing the need to prioritize the health and safety of students amid the ongoing environmental crisis.