Schools will remain open on Wednesday: Punjab Government

Caretaker Education Minister for Punjab, Mansoor Qadir, confirmed that the government has chosen not to close educational institutions in the province this coming Wednesday, October 18, taking a u-turn from the administration’s previous plan. 

Discussions were held by caretakers about the possibility of temporarily shutting down schools and offices on Wednesdays, in addition to regular weekends, as a government measure to counter smog. 

Recent rainfall has significantly contributed to an improvement in the air quality in Lahore, the provincial capital most affected by the smog. This positive development has prompted the ruling authorities to delay the implementation of the proposed closure.

Minister Qadir stated during the press conference, “Schools will remain open this Wednesday. We will continue to convene meetings to address the smog issue and make future decisions accordingly.”

نگران صوبائی وزرا @AmirMirTV ، منصور قادر، @ibrahimhmurad اور @bilalafzal__ کی لاہور میں اہم پریس کانفرنس#smog #environment #important #press #conference #wednesday #weeklyoff @SchoolEduPunjab @EPCCDpunjab @TransportDeptt pic.twitter.com/EXfOfxCs2G

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) October 16, 2023

During the same briefing, Caretaker Information Minister Aamir Mir highlighted the annual health risks posed by the smog. “Raising awareness about the consequences of smog is essential for the public,” he emphasized.The government has taken measures, including the enforcement of Section 144 to curb smog, and has imposed restrictions on vehicles to prevent further exacerbation of the situation