The Punjab government has decided to reopen schools in Lahore and Multan from tomorrow (Wednesday).
Environment Department Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh has issued a notification announcing the reopening of educational institutions in Lahore and Multan from tomorrow, November 20.
After a period of closure due to the cities' air quality reaching hazardous levels, schools will resume in-person classes. However, to ensure the health and safety of students and staff, certain restrictions will be in place.
Key Points:
- School timings: Schools will not open before 8:45am.
- Mask mandate: Students and teachers are required to wear masks throughout the school day.
- Outdoor activities ban: All outdoor sports and co-curricular activities will be suspended.
The Environment Department has urged schools to strictly adhere to these guidelines to mitigate the impact of smog and air pollution.
On Monday, the Punjab government had decided to reopen educational institutions across the province, except Lahore and Multan divisions, after improvement in the smog situation in the province.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb had stressed that children's education is a top priority, their health cannot be compromised. She commended the public for their cooperation in the government’s efforts to combat the severe smog, which had previously reached alarming levels in various districts.
Also Read: Smog crisis: School holidays extended, Punjab to go for full lockdown
According to environmental experts, the recent rainfall in the upper regions of Punjab has also contributed to the improvement in air quality, with most districts now experiencing a significant reduction in pollution levels.
The shift in winds has helped clear the air, but precautionary measures remain in place to safeguard the health of students, teachers, and staff.
On Nov 15, Marriyum Aurangzeb announced a series of immediate emergency measures in response to the worsening smog crisis in the province, including the declaration of a health emergency in Lahore and Multan.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Marriyum emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that air quality indices (AQI) in several cities, including Lahore, have reached hazardous levels, with Lahore’s AQI hitting an alarming 2800.
Also Read: Punjab closes schools across province until Nov 17
The minister announced the following measures in view of the worsening smog in Lahore and other cities of Punjab:
- All brick kilns and furnace-based plants in Lahore and Multan have been shut down from Friday to curb emissions.
- There will be a complete ban on the entry of heavy traffic in both Lahore and Multan.
- A complete lockdown will be enforced on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday if the situation does not improve by Wednesday.
- Dining in at restaurants will be allowed only until 4pm, after which take-away services will be permitted. All restaurants will have to completely close at 8pm.
- Holidays in schools, colleges, and universities across Punjab have been extended to Nov 24, except Murree, and they have been ordered to shift to online learning.
Also Read: Schools reopen in Punjab as smog improves; Lahore, Multan excluded
- Construction activities in Lahore and Multan have been banned from Friday. However, national-level construction works will be allowed.
- Doctors, nurses and paramedical staff holidays have been cancelled, and hospital OPDs will now operate until 8pm.
On Nov 12, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat had announced the closure of all public and private schools in the province until November 17. The minister said the decision was made following numerous complaints from districts about the adverse impact of smog on students' health.
He acknowledged the potential educational loss, but emphasized that this precautionary measure was necessary to protect children from the potentially dangerous effects of the severe air pollution. He also urged the public to cooperate by taking individual actions to reduce smog, such as ensuring vehicle fitness and adhering to anti-smog practices.
