The Punjab government has announced the closure of schools and colleges in five additional divisions due to dangerously high air pollution levels across the province.

The order, issued by the director general of environment Imran Hamid Sheikh, mentions educational institutions in Sargodha, Rawalpindi, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Sahiwal divisions. All institutions, from nursery to grade 12, including academies and tuition centres, will remain closed from November 13 to 17.

This move expands the initial closures already in place in Lahore and surrounding areas, as the province continues to grapple with severe smog conditions. The environment department has emphasized that the closures aim to protect public health, particularly young students, from the adverse effects of the toxic air quality.

Also Read: Lahore High Court orders markets to close at 8pm

Markets in four major divisions of Punjab -- Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Multan -- started to be closed at 8pm from Monday, the provincial government announced as per orders of the Lahore High Court.

Environment Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh issued a notification declaring that all shopping malls, shops, and restaurants in these divisions must adhere to the new timings. The restriction will remain in effect until Nov 17.

The directive also bans outdoor dining at restaurants and public gatherings such as festivals and concerts across the affected divisions. However, pharmacies, medical stores, laboratories, and bakeries are exempt from the restriction. Major department stores may also keep their grocery sections open, according to the order.

Also Read: Punjab to close markets, restaurants at 8pm from today

The environment department says the decision will remain in effect from November 11 to 17, and has been taken in view of the increasing number of patients affected by smog.

Fines on smoke-emitting vehicles

In line with the Lahore High Court's directive to combat pollution, traffic police have intensified action against smoke-emitting vehicles, imposing over Rs4.5 million in fines in the last 24 hours.

According to officials, more than 2,200 car owners have been fined, and 987 motorcycles fined Rs1.9 million for emitting dangerous amounts of smoke. Moreover, 99 of these motorcycles have been confiscated by the police in lock-ups.

Additionally, 60 tractor-trolleys operating without safety measures have been impounded at police stations across the region. Authorities have also deployed an artificial intelligence-based e-challan system, targeting 234 vehicles contributing to smog.