Smog: Orders to close all schools across Punjab

Rawalpindi: The Punjab government has issued orders to close private and public schools in all districts of the province due to increasing smog and air pollution.

Due to increasing smog and air pollution, it has been decided to keep all schools completely closed till November 17.

Earlier, it was decided to keep educational institutions closed in eight districts of Punjab including Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Rawalpindi, DG Khan, Sargodha, and Sahiwal among other districts. However, the education minister of Punjab has now issued orders to close schools across the province, the notification of which has also been issued.

According to the notification, all the government and private schools of the province will remain closed till November 17, while the notification has directed that government-run educational institutions and tuition centers be shifted to online sessions.

According to the authorities, the decision to keep the educational institutions closed has been taken due to the increase in the Air Quality Index (AQI) and the increase in respiratory, eye, and throat diseases due to air pollution.

Punjab Education Minister's statement

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said that because of the increasing effects of smog, schools are closing in all districts. The decision was taken in the light of the complaints received from the districts.

He stated that he understands the educational loss but the educational institutions are taking steps to close down. This extreme decision had to be taken to protect the children from the deadly effects. Because of the difficulties in online teaching, alternative strategies are being brought up soon.