School timings changed in Lahore amid smog concerns

School timings have changed in Lahore amid air pollution in the city. City 42 reports that all schools in the city have been notified to open at 8:45 am, and this new timing will apply to both public and private schools.

The new working hours will be applied from October 28 to January 31, says the official announcement.

Senior provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb announced the new working hours, stating the change is made due to the high air quality index, and increasing number of respiratory diseases in the provincial capital.

The minister mentioned that preventive measures have not been adopted yet despite the increase in pollution. 90 per cent of children and teachers are coming to school without masks, while only 10 per cent of children are adhering to masks.

The Punjab Environment Protection Committee has given instructions to the relevant institutions to take necessary measures in view of the increase in air pollution. Due to the air quality index in Lahore, school timings are being changed in view of the health of children and the elderly.

Children should be assembled in classrooms, and all outdoor activities should be suspended.

Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb also said that until January 31, 2025, a strict ban has been imposed on all types of fireworks in Lahore; vehicles that emit smoke, motorbikes, rickshaws, and buses will be banned.

She stressed that all people should support the government in reducing smog and immediately report any kind of smoke to 1373. The Environment Protection Authority will take immediate action on these complaints.