In response to worsening air pollution across Punjab, the provincial Environment Department has announced strict new measures to combat the rising levels of smog. Effective from November 3, 2025, to January 31, 2026, all public and private schools across the province will be prohibited from opening before 8:45 a.m.
According to the official notification issued by the Punjab Environment Department, the decision applies to all educational institutions, including government and private schools, colleges, and special education centers throughout the province. The move comes after smog levels reached what officials described as “dangerously high” concentrations in Lahore and several other urban areas.
The department warned that any violation of the order will result in heavy penalties. Schools found opening before the designated time will face a fine ranging from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 500,000 for the first offense, while repeated violations could lead to penalties between Rs. 600,000 and Rs. 1,000,000.
Director General of Environment Protection Punjab, Imran Hamid Sheikh, emphasized that the provincial government is committed to implementing “decisive and sustained measures” to control environmental degradation. “Protecting public health and ensuring a cleaner environment for our children is our top priority. We are closely monitoring air quality across the province and will continue to take strict action against violators,” he said.
The decision follows several weeks of increasing smog intensity in major cities, particularly Lahore, which has consistently ranked among the most polluted cities in the world. Experts attribute the worsening air quality to a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial smoke, crop residue burning, and unfavorable weather patterns that trap pollutants close to the ground.
Parents and teachers have welcomed the new timings as a temporary relief measure, citing the health risks posed by early morning exposure to dense smog. Medical experts have warned that prolonged exposure to polluted air can cause respiratory infections, asthma attacks, eye irritation, and other health complications, especially among children and the elderly.
Authorities have also announced plans to intensify monitoring of industries, brick kilns, and vehicles emitting black smoke. Additionally, awareness campaigns will be launched to educate citizens about smog prevention, including discouraging the burning of crop residues and encouraging the use of public transport.
Environmentalists have described the government’s move as a necessary but partial step. They argue that while adjusting school timings may reduce immediate exposure, long-term solutions—such as stricter enforcement of emission laws, renewable energy adoption, and urban reforestation—are critical to addressing the root causes of pollution.
