Punjab Revises School Timings Amid Extreme Smog
The Punjab Education Department has revised school timings across the province, directing all public and private institutions to open no earlier than 8:45 a.m. due to severe smog.
The Punjab Education Department has announced a change in school timings as heavy smog continues to blanket major cities across the province. According to an official notification issued on Friday, all public and private educational institutions are prohibited from opening before 8:45 a.m. to protect students from deteriorating air quality.
Read More: Punjab Unveils Cash Reward for School Excellence
Authorities warned that any school found violating the directive would face fines ranging from 0. Rs0.1 million to Rs1 million. The department said the move aims to safeguard children and teachers as air pollution levels in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala remain at hazardous levels.
Data from the Punjab Environment Protection Department shows the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore surged above 300 in recent days — a level considered “hazardous” by the World Health Organization, which categorizes anything above 150 as unsafe for human health.
The dense smog, attributed to crop burning, industrial emissions, and stagnant weather patterns, has forced provincial authorities to impose partial lockdowns and restrict industrial activity.
In 2024, similar conditions prompted the Lahore High Court to allow schools to shift to online classes three days a week. Environmental experts warn that if air quality fails to improve, the government may reinstate hybrid or remote learning measures again this year.
The Punjab Education Department urged full compliance with the revised schedule, stating that the new timings will remain in effect until smog levels subside across the province.
