Lahore (Web Desk): In response to rising health concerns, the Punjab government has ordered the closure of all schools, from primary to 12th grade, in four divisions of the province until November 17.
The decision affects major cities, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan, where high schools are closed for the duration of this period.
As part of efforts to mitigate the impact of escalating smog levels, 50% of staff in both government and private offices will be allowed to work from home. Furthermore, all official meetings are to be conducted virtually to minimize in-person interactions.
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb explained that the worsening air quality is mainly due to crop residue burning in neighboring regions, particularly in India's Rajasthan.
She pointed out that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore has surged above 1,000 — far surpassing the hazardous level of 300 deemed dangerous by health authorities. The smog is expected to persist for the next 10 days.
In light of the pollution crisis, Aurangzeb announced that wearing masks will now be mandatory. She also noted that despite school closures, many parents are still taking their children to public places like shopping malls, exposing them to harmful air. To address this, the government is encouraging parents to keep their children indoors as much as possible and follow health guidelines.
The Punjab government has also instructed schools to arrange online classes during the closure to ensure that students’ education is not disrupted.
A Smog War Room has been established under the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor pollution levels, and specific targets have been set for government departments to tackle the environmental crisis. Remote work will continue in government offices, with all meetings now shifting to virtual platforms such as Zoom.
Aurangzeb further acknowledged that plastic bag usage remains a problem, despite a ban, and urged citizens to comply with environmental regulations.
In response to a question, the minister provided an update on Maryam Nawaz Sharif's health, confirming that she is currently receiving treatment for a recurring throat infection in Geneva. Contrary to reports, Maryam Nawaz did not travel abroad due to smog but to address her health issues. She is expected to return to Pakistan on November 12.
Lahore faces record levels of pollution
Air pollution in Lahore reached unprecedented levels on Saturday, with the PM2.5 pollutant (fine particulate matter) soaring to a dangerous 610. This fine dust poses significant risks to respiratory health, contributing to conditions such as asthma and heart disease.
The city has been engulfed in smog for days, a toxic blend of fog and pollutants from agricultural burning, diesel engine emissions, and seasonal cooling. The Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 1,067, far above the threshold of 300 that is considered hazardous.
Health experts have raised alarms, urging vulnerable groups — particularly children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions — to take extra precautions. Authorities are under pressure to implement effective measures to reduce air pollution and safeguard the public’s health as the smog persists.