Will Punjab schools announce early winter holidays?

LAHORE: A severe smog alert has put Punjab on high alert, with authorities keeping a close watch on rising pollution levels that could affect schools and public health.

Lahore was today declared the world’s most polluted city, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a dangerous 362, sparking concern among residents.

The Meteorological Department has warned that the smog is likely to worsen in the coming days due to dry weather, affecting not only Lahore but also other cities in eastern Punjab. The department has urged citizens to take precautions against the adverse effects of deteriorating air quality.

Last year, the Punjab government closed schools for a week from November 3 in response to similar conditions, later extending the holidays by another week. This year, while authorities are closely monitoring the situation, no official decision has been taken yet on school closures.

Sources say that if the smog intensity increases further, the closure of primary schools cannot be ruled out. Experts have warned that prolonged exposure to polluted air can lead to respiratory diseases, colds, coughs and eye irritation, especially in children.

With pollution levels expected to worsen in the coming days, parents and school authorities are anxiously awaiting government instructions as the city battles its worst air quality crisis in recent years.