Smog: Order to close educational institutions till twelfth in 18 districts of Punjab
Lahore, Pakistan — As the smog situation continues to worsen in Punjab, the provincial government has taken drastic measures to protect students and the public. The Punjab Education Department has issued a notification for the closure of educational institutions up to higher secondary (twelfth grade) in 18 districts across four divisions of the province. In a move to mitigate the impact, online education will be conducted during the closure period.
Educational Institution Closures Due to Smog
In response to the alarming smog levels across Punjab, the provincial government has ordered the closure of public and private secondary and higher secondary schools from November 7 to November 17, 2024. The closure affects 18 districts across the Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan divisions. The decision has been made in order to protect students and staff from the harmful effects of the severe air pollution.
According to the notification issued by the Punjab Education Department, schools will remain closed during this period, and classes will be conducted online instead. This step is in line with earlier measures, which included the closure of primary schools for the same duration.
Details of the Closure in Affected Districts
The following districts across the four divisions of Punjab are affected by the closure:
- Lahore Division
- Gujranwala Division
- Faisalabad Division
- Multan Division
All public and private secondary (up to class 12) schools in these districts will remain closed from November 7 to November 17. In addition, tuition centers and academies in these regions will also be shut down during this period.
Online education will be the alternative, ensuring that students can continue their lessons remotely.
Mandatory Mask Wearing in Smog-Affected Areas
As part of the measures to combat the health risks posed by the smog, the Punjab government has made it mandatory for residents of Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan to wear masks while outdoors. The regulation is part of a broader effort to curb respiratory diseases, which have surged due to the toxic chemicals in the air.
Imran Hamid Sheikh, the Director-General of Environment in Punjab, issued the directive, emphasizing that mask-wearing will remain mandatory until January 31, 2025. This step aims to reduce the impact of the harmful pollutants present in the air, which have contributed to a rise in respiratory issues in the region.
Government Response and Measures
Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb addressed the media regarding the ongoing smog crisis, explaining that the situation will not improve unless both Pakistan and India take joint action. The smog, exacerbated by cross-border pollution, continues to affect air quality levels in major cities, with Lahore experiencing air quality readings exceeding 1100 this morning — far beyond the hazardous level.
In her statement, Aurangzeb also mentioned that 50% of private and public institutions will be transitioning to a "work-from-home" model during the smog crisis in a bid to reduce the number of people exposed to the polluted air.
The smog is expected to persist for several weeks, and local officials are urging citizens to stay indoors as much as possible to limit exposure to harmful chemicals in the air.
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Conclusion
The ongoing smog crisis in Punjab has forced the provincial government to take significant measures to protect public health. The closure of educational institutions up to twelfth grade and the implementation of online classes are steps aimed at minimizing exposure to harmful air pollutants. The mandatory mask-wearing policy, along with other government actions, reflects the serious nature of the air quality issues in the region. However, the long-term solution requires collaborative efforts between Pakistan and India to address the transboundary pollution causing the crisis. In the meantime, residents are advised to take all necessary precautions to safeguard their health during this challenging period.
