Immediate Change in Punjab School Timings (Smog Response)
The Provincial Government of Punjab has introduced new school timings in Punjab and this is effective immediately, due to the increasing smog and degrading Air Quality Index Lahore (AQI). The new schedule will begin from Monday, October 27, 2025, and will run until April 15, 2026, to acquire a reduced time of exposure to peak pollution hours.
Revised School Timings in Punjab
The schools will now be open at 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Classes will end earlier on Fridays, at 12.30 p.m. This change reduces the number of school days and hours considerably to its former schedules as a desperate attempt to have the students in school in safer, midday hours.
Lahore’s Critical Air Quality
The ruling is a direct response to the extreme air pollution crisis in such urban areas as Lahore because the Lahore AQI is often reaching the Severe or Hazardous range (e.g., AQI around 250 in portions of the city). Crop residue burning, emissions, and temperature inversion peak pollution, which usually happens in the early morning and the evening (6-11 a.m. is also a problematic time). The re-arranged school timings in Punjab are a strategically determined way of not being caught in the middle of the early morning smog.
Health and Safety Advisory
Given the high Air Quality Index Lahore, the public is advised to limit outdoor activities, especially during early morning and late evening. Recommended precautions include using N95/KN95 masks when outside and keeping windows closed. Stay updated on real-time Lahore AQI data for regional safety guidance. This change in school timing in Punjab emphasizes public health during the winter smog season. The modified Punjab school timings smog schedule is a critical measure to protect children’s well-being.
Punjab School Timings Smog Schedule Announced
To protect students from peak morning pollution hours, schools will now operate on a shorter schedule:
- Monday to Thursday: 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Friday: Classes end at 12:30 p.m.
The decision for modified Punjab school timings is a public health measure, as pollution in Lahore and surrounding areas has pushed the Lahore AQI into the “Very Unhealthy” or “Hazardous” categories (real-time readings show AQI frequently exceeding 250 in some locations). Smog, caused by industrial/vehicular emissions, construction dust, and crop residue burning, is typically worst in the early morning (6-11 a.m.).
Public Health Advisory
Since the AQI of Lahore is very high as dangerous, it is highly recommended that all residents, particularly those with school going children, should:
- Limit outdoor exposure, particularly during early morning and late evening.
- Use N95/KN95 masks when outside.
- Keep windows closed and utilize air purifiers indoors if possible.
. The new schedule will begin from Monday, October 27, 2025, and will run until April 15, 2026, to acquire a reduced time of exposure to peak pollution hours.){kind=link}