The worsening smog situation has led the Punjab government to extend the closure of all public and private educational institutions, including tuition centres, for another week, until November 24.
Previously, schools were ordered to remain closed until November 17.
Smog has enveloped Punjab for weeks, with Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching an alarming 1600, making it the most polluted city in the world.
The Punjab School Education Department issued a notification on Friday, announcing the extension of closures and the shift to online learning for all educational institutions, including private tuition centres, up to the Higher Secondary Level (Grade 12) across the province. The only exception is the Murree district.
Punjab continues to suffer under thick layers of smog and fog. To combat the crisis, the government has sealed dozens of shops, wedding halls, and restaurants while enforcing early market closures at 8 p.m.
Additionally, health emergencies have been declared in Lahore and Multan to address the situation.
Governor Punjab, Sardar Saleem Haider, criticized the provincial government’s response, calling for the immediate declaration of a smog emergency across the province.
