ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad administration has changed the school timings for the winter to protect children and staff from the cold.
According to a notification issued by the Federal Directorate of Education, schools will remain open from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, while regular classes on Fridays will be from 8 am to 12 pm.
After this, evening shift schools will open from 2:30 pm to 6 pm.
In early October, to deal with the worsening smog situation in Lahore, the Punjab Environmental Protection Department announced new working hours for schools across the province.
The new timings, effective from October 28, will remain in effect until January 31.
The decision came as Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 150, posing serious health risks to children and the elderly.
To minimize exposure, school assemblies will be held in classrooms, and all outdoor activities have been banned.
In addition, fireworks have been banned until January 31, 2025. The public has been advised to limit outdoor exposure, wear masks when outdoors, and keep windows and doors closed to prevent smog from entering.
