In a proactive measure against escalating smog levels, the caretaker Punjab government declared the closure of all educational institutions on Friday (November 24) and Saturday (November 25) in six divisions of the province. The affected regions include Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, and Sargodha.
During a press conference in Lahore, caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the severity of smog in these areas, prompting the decision to suspend academic activities temporarily.
Following the announcement, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a notification outlining additional measures. “Restricted movement” will be in effect in the specified divisions, with public and private schools, colleges, universities, and educational institutions remaining closed on both Friday and Saturday. Moreover, markets, shops, and restaurants will open only after 3 pm on these days.
The move comes in response to the dire air quality conditions, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore reaching a hazardous level of 306 at 5 pm on the same day. The concentration of PM2.5, a particulate matter, was reported to be 51.2 times higher than the World Health Organization’s annual air quality guideline.
These measures align with a recent directive from the Lahore High Court (LHC), instructing the Punjab government to close all educational institutions on Saturdays until the end of January to address the smog crisis.
The Punjab government had previously mandated the use of face masks in 10 districts and implemented a limited lockdown to combat rising pollution levels.
During the press conference, CM Naqvi also announced plans to provide 10,000 electric bikes to students in smog-affected areas at a subsidy. Government employees will have the option to lease the bikes as well.
In a forward-looking approach, the provincial government is exploring the possibility of inducing artificial rain in Lahore. CM Naqvi explained that specific cloud types and other necessary conditions must met for this technique, known as cloud seeding, to be effective. If conditions permit, artificial downpours may be conducted on November 29.
Despite these stringent measures, CM Naqvi expressed a reluctance to shut down markets entirely. Instead, markets will open from 3 pm onwards on Friday and Saturday, with a complete closure on Sunday. Additionally, restaurants will follow the same schedule, and offices will open only after 3 pm on Saturday.
CM Naqvi stressed the symbolic and long-term impact of these decisions, urging the public to continue wearing masks to safeguard their health amid the smog crisis.
 and Saturday (November 25) in six divisions of the province. The affected regions include Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, and Sargodha.){kind=link}