Schools in Lahore, Multan divisions re-open as smog crisis eases

LAHORE: As Punjab the smog crisis eases a bit the provincial government has announced the restoration of activities within the educational institutions located in Lahore and Multan effective from today, November 20, following the previous suspension caused by the rise in air pollution levels within the region.

According to the Environment Department Director General, Imran Hamid Sheikh, Educational establishments within the two cities are operational once again but the students as well as the teaching faculty will have to follow SOPs to prevent any health complications.

To reduce the effect of smog and pollution in the air, a series of policies have been laid down by the Environment Department.

Schools will have opening hours of not earlier than 8:45 am to curb air pollution levels, all students, and teachers will be in masks all day long and all indoor sports and co-curricular activities will be prohibited until further notice.

The move to order the reopening of schools in the Lahore and Multan divisions is based on the improvement of the smog conditions within the province.

Earlier on Monday, the provincial government of Punjab had ordered that the educational institutions within the province but excluding its Lahore and Multan divisions.

Senior provincial minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb warned that education for children is of utmost importance and that their health cannot be put at risk. She also praised citizens for helping the authorities fight back the harsh smog.