Schools to reopen in most dists

Educational institutions in Lahore, Multan divisions to remain shut

LAHORE:

Following a shift in weather patterns, a temporary respite in smog has been observed in most areas of Punjab, prompting the government to partially reopen schools from Tuesday.

The authorities had earlier announced closure of the schools from November 17 to 25 due to severe smog conditions. However, with air quality improving in many districts, the government has decided to reopen schools in all divisions except Lahore and Multan.

According to a notification issued by the Punjab Environment Protection Department (EPD), schools in affected districts will open at 8:45am.

To ensure safety, all teachers and students are required to wear face masks during school hours, and outdoor sports and extracurricular activities will remain suspended till further order. The notification also outlines staggered dismissal times for different classes to reduce traffic congestion and limit pollution.

In a separate notification, the EPD announced exemptions for educational institutions in the of Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal districts, where physical classes will resume. Schools in Murree had already resumed physical attendance for students and staff.

Despite the easing of smog in some areas, Lahore's air quality remained unhealthy.

The latest EPD air quality report reveals an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 253 for the provincial capital, with readings of 281 at Town Hall, 255 at Punjab University and 222 near Shimla Hill, all of which indicate unhealthy levels of pollution.

The authorities urged citizens to take precautions and minimise exposure to outdoor air.

They stated that the smog and air pollution situation had improved because of rain so the academic activities on campus would resume.

On the other hand, at least 63,905 patients suffering from respiratory problems visited hospitals across Punjab during the past 24 hours.

It will be the responsibility of the school administrations to adopt precautionary measures.

Sources in the education department said the AQI in the provincial capital had also improved during the past two days and the educational institutions in Lahore and Multan divisions might also be reopened in the coming days.

However, exams of intermediate that had earlier been postponed due to smog were resumed in Lahore. According to a spokesman for the Lahore Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, the decision had been taken due to improvement of the air quality.

The Punjab government had closed all educational institutions in the province last week and imposed health emergency in Lahore and Multan. The holidays of all medical staffers had been cancelled because of the alarming smog situation.

However, the situation improved after artificial rain in Jhelum, Chakwal and other areas.

Officials said new dates of the exams that had been postposed across the province would be announced after improvement of the air quality.

However, thousands of people sought treatment from government hospitals in Lahore with problems caused by air pollution.