In response to the ongoing smog crisis, the Punjab government has announced the closure of all schools, from primary to higher secondary levels, until November 17. This move is aimed at protecting students from the hazardous air quality affecting the region. In addition to school closures, the government has mandated the use of masks for all individuals across the province.
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb made the announcement at a press conference in Lahore, where she outlined the government’s efforts to combat the smog. She stressed that various departments are working together to address the issue and that a dedicated control room has been established to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) in real time.
The school closures will primarily affect the divisions of Lahore, Multan, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad. Aurangzeb highlighted that crop residue burning, particularly from neighboring India, is a major contributor to the smog, which continues to worsen the air quality despite efforts such as the ban on plastic bags.
The minister warned that not wearing masks exposes individuals to harmful pollutants, especially methane. “The air quality is deteriorating, and it is essential that we take immediate action to protect our citizens,” she said, urging the public to comply with safety measures.
Given the severe air quality in cities like Multan and Gujranwala, the government has recommended that students shift to online education. The Air Quality Index in Lahore had exceeded 1,100 at the time of the announcement, indicating a hazardous level of pollution. To ensure students’ safety, online classes will begin on November 17 for affected areas.
Further actions have also been taken to address the crisis. Staff attendance at government and private offices has been limited to 50%, with virtual meetings being mandated for official discussions.
Aurangzeb acknowledged that the smog is further exacerbated by pollution from India, particularly from Rajasthan, and called for greater cooperation between the two countries to address the transboundary issue.
The smog is expected to persist for at least the next ten days. In response, the provincial government is prepared to take additional measures to safeguard public health and reduce exposure to harmful air pollutants.
