Punjab Announces One Week Holidays for Schools

The Government of Punjab has officially declared a one-week closure of all primary schools in Lahore in response to the worsening smog situation. The pollution has reached critical levels, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring above 1,000. The decision is aimed at protecting young students from severe air pollution

While primary schools are closed, secondary and high schools will remain open. However, strict measures are being enforced, with students in these institutions now required to wear protective masks during school hours. According to government health advisories, this precaution is essential to minimize respiratory risks associated with prolonged exposure to polluted air. The mask requirement underscores the severity of the pollution levels and the immediate health risks residents face, especially students.

In a press conference today, Punjab’s Senior Minister, Maryam Aurangzeb, addressed the escalating crisis, attributing a significant part of Lahore’s smog problem to pollution sources across the border in India. According to her statement, pollution from Indian crop burning and industrial emissions has exacerbated Lahore's already critical smog levels.

AQI readings near border areas have surged, at times reaching as high as 1,900. These extreme pollution levels have compounded Lahore's environmental challenges and have made air quality conditions in certain regions of the city among the worst globally.

To counter the crisis, the Punjab government has intensified its anti-smog initiatives, rolling out a series of stringent measures to curb air pollution across the province. Among the new policies are an immediate ban on plastic bags, enhanced monitoring of construction sites to prevent dust emissions, and the strict enforcement of regulations against crop burning.

Authorities have even resorted to making arrests in cases where farmers are found burning stubble, a common agricultural practice that contributes to smog during harvest seasons. These enforcement actions represent the government’s resolve to tackle the crisis head-on and protect public health by controlling as many sources of pollution as possible.

Minister Aurangzeb drew attention to the gravity of the situation, likening the smog to a “pandemic” that is not only disrupting daily life in Lahore but also affecting other major cities, including Islamabad. She cautioned residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities to minimize exposure to the hazardous air. Furthermore, the minister underscored the need for coordinated efforts between Pakistan and India to address the cross-border pollution problem, especially regarding agricultural burning. She advocated for a bilateral approach, emphasizing that both countries bear responsibility in managing regional air quality to safeguard the health of their populations.

In addition to these immediate actions, the Punjab government has committed to long-term environmental goals aimed at achieving cleaner, healthier air across the province. The ongoing anti-smog campaign reflects a determined effort to reduce pollution sources and mitigate the severe health impacts of Lahore's air crisis.