Due to dangerously high levels of air pollution, the Punjab government has ordered the closure of schools and colleges in five additional divisions. This move will impact educational institutions from nursery to grade 12, including academies and tuition centers. The affected divisions are Sargodha, Rawalpindi, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Sahiwal. As announced by Imran Hamid Sheikh, the Director General of Environment, all these institutions will remain closed from November 13 to 17.
The closures are part of the provincial government's ongoing efforts to tackle the severe smog conditions that have been causing serious health issues. Similar measures had already been taken in Lahore and nearby areas earlier. The environment department’s main goal is to protect the health of the public, especially students, who are at greater risk due to the toxic air quality.
In addition to the school closures, the government has also implemented changes to the operating hours of markets in four key cities—Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Multan. Starting Monday, all shopping malls, stores, and restaurants in these areas must close by 8 pm. This new rule will remain in effect until November 17. The restrictions also prohibit outdoor dining and public gatherings like festivals and concerts in these divisions. However, essential services like pharmacies, medical stores, and bakeries are exempt from this closure.
To further combat pollution, traffic police have increased their efforts to fine vehicles that emit excessive smoke. Over the past 24 hours, more than 2,200 cars and 987 motorcycles have been fined, amounting to over Rs 4.5 million. Some vehicles have even been impounded, and authorities are using advanced technology to track and fine polluting vehicles.
These actions are part of a larger strategy to reduce the harmful effects of smog, especially as more and more people seek medical help for pollution-related health problems.