Punjab government has announced that all schools across the province, including major cities like Lahore and Multan, will reopen on November 20. This move comes as the air quality in Punjab shows significant improvement after weeks of hazardous smog.
Last month, Punjab declared smog a “calamity,” forcing the closure of schools in 18 districts from November 7 to 17. Later, the shutdown extended province-wide until November 24 as air quality remained dangerous. However, a shift in weather patterns over the last three days has brought relief. A change in wind direction and rainfall in upper Punjab has improved the air, pulling Lahore’s AQI out of the hazardous category for the first time in nearly two weeks.
According to Punjab’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), schools will reopen with strict measures in place to ensure student safety. Classes will begin no earlier than 8:45 am, and wearing masks will be mandatory for both students and staff. To reduce traffic congestion, schools are instructed to stagger closing times for different classes. However, outdoor sports and co-curricular activities remain banned until further notice.
The Higher Education Department has also issued similar directives for universities and colleges, ensuring compliance with EPA guidelines. This reopening marks a positive turn for education and daily life in Punjab as the province navigates its way out of a prolonged smog crisis.
With improved air quality and precautionary measures, Punjab’s educational institutions are set to welcome students back, offering a sense of normalcy amid recent environmental challenges.
