Education Minister shares Lahore School Holidays amid worsening Smog

LAHORE – The alarming smog situation in Lahore prompted authorities to mull taking stern measures including a change of school timings, and now proposal of school closure is also on cards.

Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced potential school closures if health issues among students continue to escalate. With the city topping global pollution rankings, many students have reported respiratory problems, including shortness of breath.

As people are choking in hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, the Punjab government has temporarily adjusted school hours. The Minister also urged parents and students to contribute to efforts aimed at improving air quality and follow SOPs to prevent themselves.

Lahore and other cities of Punjab are grappling with severe air pollution and low visibility, largely due to local emissions and pollution. The government indicated that meaningful reductions in smog levels could take 8 to 10 years, despite the implementation of immediate measures such as dismantling brick kilns, enforcing stricter vehicle emission standards, and enhancing waste disposal practices.

The government recently imposed ban on outdoor exercise for schoolchildren until January in response to hazardous air pollution levels, which have surpassed WHO safety guidelines by over 20 times. The smog crisis, worsened by low-quality fuel emissions and seasonal crop burning, particularly affects the city’s 14 million residents during winter.

Starting Monday, outdoor school activities will be suspended for three months, with morning school hours adjusted to begin no earlier than 8:45 AM to reduce exposure to pollution. Health experts warn of serious health risks associated with prolonged exposure to the toxic air.