Punjab govt decides to keep schools, colleges close on Fridays, Saturdays amid smog crisis

Lahore- In a proactive response to the persistent smog issue, the Punjab government on Thursday undertook substantial initiatives, including the closure of schools on Fridays and Saturdays.

The decision was reached during a pivotal session chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who presided over a cabinet committee meeting dedicated to anti-smog measures.

The committee, delving into comprehensive deliberations regarding smog control strategies, decided to implement a temporary closure of educational institutions in 10 districts across Punjab.

This closure encompasses major cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Sahiwal, and Multan divisions.

Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, addressing the media post the meeting, revealed a groundbreaking decision to provide subsidies for electric bikes to 10,000 students as part of the government's commitment to sustainable transport solutions.

Importantly, the government clarified that the closure of markets will not be absolute. Instead, markets will be operational on Fridays and Saturdays post 3 PM, while Sundays will witness a complete shutdown.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Naqvi disclosed that restaurants in smog-affected areas would be allowed to operate post 3 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Besides it, Mall Road would be accessible to cyclists from morning till 5 PM on Sundays.

In a bid to tackle the root cause, Naqvi announced preparations for artificial rain to combat smog, revealing plans to install smog towers in Lahore as part of the anti-smog measures.

These concerted efforts underscore the government's commitment to addressing the environmental challenges posed by smog in the region.