Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced the closure of all public and private schools in the province until November 17.
The minister said the decision was made following numerous complaints from districts about the adverse impact of smog on students' health.
He acknowledged the potential educational loss, but emphasized that this precautionary measure was necessary to protect children from the potentially dangerous effects of the severe air pollution. He also urged the public to cooperate by taking individual actions to reduce smog, such as ensuring vehicle fitness and adhering to anti-smog practices.
The education minister also noted the challenges of online teaching, but reassured that alternative educational strategies are being rapidly developed.
Also Read: Dangerous smog levels: Schools, colleges closed in 5 more divisions
The government is actively taking steps to safeguard children and the wider public, Hayat said, and called on citizens to contribute by showing awareness and reducing smog-causing activities.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Punjab government announced the closure of schools and colleges in five divisions due to dangerously high air pollution levels across the province.
Also Read: Smog to increase across Pakistan in Nov, Dec: NDMA warns
The order, issued by the director general of environment Imran Hamid Sheikh, mentioned 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.
