Punjab Govt Closes All Schools and Colleges Due to Smog in Four Divisions

The Punjab government has announced the closure of all public and private schools and colleges, from primary to higher secondary levels, as part of urgent measures to address severe air pollution in the region.

In response to dangerously high smog levels, educational institutions in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan divisions will transition to online learning till November 17.

The decision came following an assessment of the province’s air quality, which has reached hazardous levels, with Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 1,000 in recent readings.

Punjab’s Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb explained that the smog, primarily attributed to crop burning and industrial emissions, has severely impacted the region’s air quality.

To safeguard students and staff, Aurangzeb urged schools to adapt to online learning for the duration of the smog crisis.

Aurangzeb emphasized that health and safety remain the top priorities, with the temporary shift to online education serving as a preventative measure against the effects of pollution on young children and students.