Punjab Closes Educational Institutions for All Classes Amid Smog Crisis
The Punjab Environment Department has issued a directive to close all educational institutions across various districts in the province due to the ongoing smog crisis. According to the notification from the Director General of Punjab's Environment Department, all schools, colleges, and other educational institutions—both private and public—will remain closed for in-person classes up to Class XII and A Levels.
The closure will be in effect from November 7 to 17, 2024.
To ensure the continuity of education during this period, the notification specifies that all institutions will switch to online classes. The decision affects several districts in Punjab, including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, and Narowal.
This move follows a series of measures taken to combat the severe impact of smog in the region. Earlier, primary schools in Punjab were also closed for a week due to the deteriorating air quality. The government continues to prioritize the safety and health of students amid the environmental crisis.