In response to the escalating smog crisis in Lahore, Dr. Imran Hameed Sheikh, the Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced that all public and private special education institutions must send home students with specific health vulnerabilities.
This directive included those suffering from conditions exacerbated by poor air quality, such as broncho-vascular diseases like asthma and chest infections, cardio-vascular diseases including angina and coronary artery disease, as well as immunodeficiency disorders like Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID).
The directive will take effect from November 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, requiring schools to provide alternative educational methods, including online classes, to ensure that these students do not fall behind.
Contrary to recent media claims of a blanket three-month holiday for all special school children due to worsening air conditions, the official announcement clarified that this directive specifically pertained to those at heightened risk due to their health issues.
The Punjab government categorized smog as a life-threatening disaster, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif leading initiatives aimed at reducing its impact. These actions included the closure of polluting industrial units and the implementation of stricter environmental regulations, showcasing the government’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities during this environmental emergency.