Schools to reopen tomorrow in Multan and Lahore

The Punjab government has issued a notification to reopen schools in Lahore and Multan starting tomorrow (Wednesday) as the smog situation has improved.

The notification was issued by Environment Department Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh, who announced the reopening of educational institutions “in the whole province, including Lahore and Multan” starting tomorrow, November 20.

Days after the government announced the closure of schools and eventually the educational institutes due to the cities' air quality reaching hazardous levels, the government has decided to reopen them. 

Certain restrictions have, nonetheless, also been imposed to ensure the health and safety of students and staff. These include all educational institutes, which shall not open before 8:45 am. Students and teachers are required to wear masks throughout the school day, outdoor activities will be banned, and schools shall close within class-wise school hours to avoid traffic congestion.  

The Environment Department urged schools to strictly adhere to these guidelines to mitigate the impact of smog and air pollution in their area.

Improvement in the smog situation in the province prompted the provincial government to implement the decision to reopen schools in Punjab.