The Punjab government has issued new guidelines for the reopening of schools, emphasizing strict precautions to safeguard students, teachers, and staff amid ongoing concerns about air quality and smog.
According to an official notification, schools outside Lahore and Multan will reopen starting tomorrow but will not commence before 8:45 AM. The directive requires all students, teachers, and staff to wear masks, with school administrations tasked with ensuring compliance.
Outdoor sports and extracurricular activities will remain suspended until further notice. To ease traffic congestion, schools will implement staggered break times based on grade levels.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb highlighted that tough decisions were necessary to prioritize public health, noting an improvement in Punjab’s smog situation due to changes in the eastern winds’ direction and speed.
Under the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, educational institutions in districts other than Lahore and Multan will resume operations tomorrow.
While emphasizing the importance of education, Aurangzeb stressed that health must remain a top priority. She urged school authorities to adhere strictly to safety measures and expressed gratitude to the public for their cooperation.
The minister also commended the efforts of provincial departments, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), police, and local administration, in addressing the challenges posed by the smog.
