Punjab Closes Schools and Offices Amid Severe Smog Crisis

In response to worsening air pollution, the Punjab government has ordered the closure of educational institutions and tuition centers across the province and has limited attendance in government offices to 50%.

According to an official notice, schools and colleges in Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, and Bahawalpur divisions will remain closed until November 17. Private tuition centers will also remain closed, and teaching from pre-primary to 12th grade will be conducted online. This decision was taken due to an increase in respiratory, eye, and throat illnesses caused by air pollution. The notification was issued under the Punjab Environmental Protection Act of 1997.

The smog has begun affecting other districts in Punjab, causing a rise in cases of pink eye, chest infections, and various allergies. The Punjab Environment Department has urged residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, as cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan are already experiencing school closures.

Regarding attendance, Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb have taken significant steps to mitigate the smog crisis by shifting 50% of the staff to online work. The Environment Department has advised government offices to conduct online meetings and encouraged carpooling.

Notably, Lahore’s air quality index (AQI) has reached the dangerous level of 500, resulting in a rise in respiratory and eye-related health issues