Punjab schools remain open despite smog

The Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) has told students to continue attending classes despite the smog, asking them to follow safety precautions closely instead of closing schools as per the government’s order.

There is no official written order from the government requiring the suspension of classes up to grade 12, including A-Levels, according to sources cited by the secretary of the Higher Education Department.

As a result, HED has directed all Punjab public and private colleges to continue offering intermediate-level, with a particular focus on implementing SOPs pertaining to smog into effect.

Private colleges have also voiced reluctance to stop intermediate programs, and the Higher Education Department has issued a circular instructing colleges to continue their educational activities in accordance with these standards.

To make sure that student attendance complies with these guidelines, strict notices have been given.

In an effort to lessen the effects of smog, the Environment Department has also issued a notification mandating the temporary closure of educational facilities in different districts, including schools, academies, and tuition centers.

Both public and private educational institutions in Lahore, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Chiniot, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Multan, Lodhran, Vehari, and Khanewal are impacted by the closure, the notification states.

Schools in these areas are likely to continue their classes online during the November 7–17 closure of schools up to grade 12 and A-Levels.

During the same time frame, the School Education Department of Punjab has also issued a second notification mandating the closure of tuition centers and academies throughout these areas.