In a strong response to the alarming health crisis in Punjab, the provincial government has announced an immediate shutdown of all schools from primary to grade 12 until November 17. This move follows record-high pollution levels, with Lahore’s air quality plummeting to nearly 40 times above the World Health Organization’s safety threshold.
Punjab Government Shuts School Due To Smog Crisis
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb explained in a press conference that the closures extend to high schools in major cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan. “To safeguard public health, we’re taking every possible measure,” she stated, adding that online classes will ensure students don’t fall behind in their studies during this challenging period. Additionally, she mandated that 50% of government and private office employees work remotely, with all official meetings shifted online.
The worsening smog in Punjab, driven by crop residue burning and seasonal pollution from across the border, has led to a choking haze in cities. Aurangzeb shared concerns over ongoing violations of the ban on plastic bags, which exacerbate the situation. She urged the public to limit unnecessary outings and announced that wearing masks would now be required in public spaces.
Highlighting the cross-border impact, she pointed to wind patterns from India’s Rajasthan region pushing pollutants into Multan and Gujranwala, intensifying the crisis. “Today, Lahore’s Air Quality Index surpassed 1,000, and unfortunately, this level of smog could last another 10 days,” Aurangzeb warned, underscoring the serious health risks posed by toxic PM2.5 particles, which are particularly dangerous to respiratory health.
The Punjab government also announced work from home policy due to amid smog cases arose
To address the emergency, the government has established a “Smog War Room” at the Environmental Protection Agency, tasked with real-time monitoring of pollution levels. Relevant departments have been assigned specific targets to combat the issue, with a renewed push to enforce anti-pollution regulations.
The press conference also cleared up rumours concerning Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s health. Aurangzeb confirmed that Sharif, who underwent throat surgery last year, is currently in Geneva for further treatment, expected to return to Pakistan on November 12. “It is baseless to claim she left due to the smog crisis,” she said, refuting recent speculation.
Meanwhile, Lahore’s pollution continues to shroud the city in dense smog, pushing the Air Quality Index to a staggering 1,067, well above the “dangerous” threshold of 300. The PM2.5 particulate count hit 610, making it one of the record’s worst days for air quality. This toxic smog—a blend of diesel fumes, agricultural smoke, and seasonal weather patterns—limits visibility and endangers the health of millions.
